Justine Ritchie is a photographer, bookseller and member of the local coastguard team. She lives high on a hill above the shores of Lochbroom and it is from this remote perch 500 ft above the loch that she finds inspiration for much of her art and photography.

Personal Statement

Being far more accustomed to having a camera rather than a stick of charcoal, pastel or paintbrush in my hand, the BHA course has led me on an unforgettable creative adventure.

Setting my camera aside and swapping its weight and familiarity for a studio full of new tools, materials and processes, my work has been an artistic exploration of new media enabling me to develop an alternative visual language as I respond intuitively to my subject matter. 

Living locally but remotely gave me my starting point and the ideal location from which I could draw inspiration. 

Winter in the highlands can be harsh and challenging but also the most beautiful time of the year with subdued light, moments of stillness and an ever-changing landscape. 

My work reflects a spirit of place which combines both interior and exterior elements and how the two can echo one another. Adopting a similar process of layering that I use in my photographic work with in-camera multiple exposures, I have layered different media including charcoal, ink and acrylic to reconcile the differing elements of the interior and exterior landscapes I now call home.