The College is delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Louise Ritchie, Lecturer in Fine Art, who has recently completed her PhD at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD), University of Dundee. This significant milestone marks years of dedication, artistic exploration, and academic rigor, and we are immensely proud of her accomplishment.

Louise’s doctoral research, titled Automaking: A Reflexive Nomenclature of Practice-Based Research, introduces the term ‘Automaking’—a pioneering way to visually map an artist’s life through creative practice. Unlike traditional ‘autobiography’ or ‘autotheory’ in literature, Automaking presents an artist’s journey through the processes and outcomes of their work. Louise’s thesis is structured around seven exhibitions undertaken during her research, each paired with reflective writings on art, practice, and personal experience.

Generously supported by the College’s Enhanced Qualifications Scheme, which funded 50% of her PhD fees, Louise has expressed immense gratitude for both the financial support and the encouragement provided by faculty members and the Organisational Development (OD) team throughout her journey.