JAMES C. RITCHIE

JamesCRitchieFineArt.com

Biography

Photography has always been a part of James Ritchie's life, but it wasn't until after he retired that he was able to devote himself to serious photographic endeavors. He has since taught himself traditional and digital photography on the fly and progressed from snapshooting to pursuing it as art. During the last decade and a half, Mr. Ritchie's work has become increasingly popular. His award-winning work is enjoyed by an international audience, exhibited regionally and nationally, and is owned by a growing number of corporate, commercial, and private collectors.

 

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It's about art.

There is no deep spiritual, philosophical, or political message, meaning, or commentary in anything I do. Every scene or subject I shoot has an underlying connection to one - usually several - of my own interests that I'm passionate about. Every shot is intended to capture, convey, and artistically portray the fascination, spirit, and passion I have for that scene or subject.

It's about art.

Art that I find in simple things and places most people encounter every day, but usually never consciously recognize, or take the time to actually "see" and appreciate.

I am not a photojournalist or documentarian. I am an artist who has taught himself to use photographic equipment. Hence, I don't feel bound by tradional "rules and conventions" of the equipment or medium. In fact, I rarely present an image the way it "ought" to be. It isn't about what something is.

It's about art.

Each one of my images is individually assessed and processed - or more accurately - interpreted. Only rarely are any of them ready for display "out of the box." All are processed using digital versions of traditional wet darkroom methods, each according to its own situation. Some subjects and scenes deserve further treatment and interpretation to effectively convey the atmosphere that best suits them.

Using new digital methods and tools, I am able to infuse my passion into the images in ways that would never be possible with traditional processing and presentation. It isn't about equipment, methods, or tools.

It's about art.

When others find a personal connection with my work - even if the subject (like a steel mill) is completely foreign to them - I know I've succeeded.

That's what art is about.


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CV

Exhibitions

New York Center for Photography (NYC4PA)
- 2018 "Portals"
 
Nicole Longnecker Gallery - Houston, Texas
- 2017 "Industrialism in the Twenty-First Century"

Grosse Pointe Art Center - Grosse Pointe, Michigan
- 2018 "After the Sun Goes Down" Fine Art Exhibition
- 2017 "Our Rivers, Our Lakes" Exhibition
- 2017 "Cars & Trucks" Exhibition
- 2017 Annual Members Exhibition
- 2016 "Our Rivers, Our Lakes" Exhibition
- 2015 "Fun & Games" Exhibition
- 2015 Signs & Symbols Exhibition

The Community House - Birmingham, Michigan
- 2016 "Our Town" Annual All-Media Exhibit

Scarab Club - Detroit
- Annual Photography Exhibition, 2016, 2014, 2013

Detroit Artists Market  
- 2008 - 2017 Juried Group Shows

Lawrence Street Gallery - Ferndale, Michigan
- 2018 - Exposures, Annual Photography Exhibition
- 2017 - Exposures, Annual Photography Exhibition
- 2016 - Exposures, Annual Photography Exhibition
- 2014 - Best of the Best - Exhibit of 2013 Winners
- 2013 - Exposures, Annual Photography Exhibition (1st Place B/W)
- 2009 - 2012 Exposures, Annual Photography Exhibition

Starring: The Gallery -  Northville, Michigan    
- Featured Artist, November, 2012 and 2014



Books

James C. Ritchie: Photographic Art
(Blurb, 2017)
Published in conjunction with "Industrialism in the Twenty-First Century",
February 25 - April 1, 2017
Nicole Longnecker Gallery, Houston, Texas
 

Photographic Art by James C. Ritchie:  Selected Works, Volume 1
(Blurb, 2015)

Publications

The Faygo Book
By Joe Grimm - Wayne State University Press, 2018
ISBN: 9780814345856
 

5000 Ways You Know You're From Detroit
By Chris Edwards and Elaine Weeks, (Walkerville Publishing, 2017)
ISBN: 1927591112
Thirty photos
 

Friends of Bodie Calendar, 2006, 2007
 

BODIE: The Mines Are Looking Well
By Michael H. Piatt,(North Bay Books, 2003)
Four photos on the cover and dust jacket

Awards
"Silent Player"
Gold Award (First Place), Still Life Single Image
COLOR Magazine - Special Issue No. 7, May, 2010


Collections
- PNC Bank, PNC Tower, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- PNC Bank, Fairlane Plaza, Dearborn, Michigan
- Cooper Standard Automotive, Novi, Michigan
- Commercial installations, and commissions
- Private collections


Memberships
- Houston Center for Photography - Houston, Texas
- Edward Hopper House - Nyack, New York
- Detroit Artists Market (Founded 1932)
- Grosse Pointe Artists Association - Grosse Pointe, Michigan
- Paint Creek Center for the Arts - Rochester, Michigan


Representation
- Xanadu Gallery - Phoenix, Arizona
- Nicole Longnecker Gallery - Houston, Texas