Bio

Pamela Ritchie is an artist‐jeweller based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Her studies include an MFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design,
and postgraduate research work in Norway supported by a scholarship from
the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada in conjunction with the
Government of Norway.

Ritchie’s work has been exhibited in group and solo shows spanning three
decades, throughout North America, Australia, Asia and Europe, and
has regularly been featured in catalogues and periodicals. 
She has received numerous awards and support for her work from the
Canada Council for the Arts, Nova Scotia Talent Trust, the Government of
Nova Scotia and many others.

Major institutional collectors include the Canadian Museum of Civilization;
the Kunstindustrimuseum, Norway; and the Nova Scotia Art Bank.

As an advocate for Canadian jewellery, she has lectured in Canada, England,
USA, and Korea, and served as the Canadian advisor for several European
exhibitions, including Jugend Gestaltet; Ornamenta I; Schmuckszene; and
Schmuck.

 In addition to her art practice, Pamela Ritchie is currently Professor of
Jewellery Design at NSCAD University.

Design interests

“I am interested in exploring linkages between the language of traditional craft processes and the developing language resulting from newer modes of production.

Conventional techniques allow me to mine the history of jewellery for the purposes of extending or adding to this proven vocabulary.  New modes of production allow me the freedom to experiment with combinations of surface and form that would have been impossible or difficult otherwise. It is exciting to work within the rich terrain that lies between these two modes of production.

While content of my work may vary depending upon the series, two ideas that are important to me are the concentrating effect of detail and the paradox that an abundance of ideas, form and pattern can be encapsulated in very small decorative objects.  Under these guiding principles, even thoughts as expansive as dreams can be captured in something tiny and intricate.”