About Olivia Ritter
I'm an Alaskan Fisherman who shares stories about food from the source. My objective is to bring the stories of local restaurants, farmers, fishermen, and ranchers to life, showcasing the hard work and sustainable practices that go into producing real food. Through videography, my aim is to educate people to support local, ethical food systems, better understand where their food comes from, and explore the issues surrounding much of the food products available today.
Why I do this work
My trusty steed Sophia and our new objectives.
Educational Background
In 2017, I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design with a minor in Art History from Memphis College of Art, while also participating in the Consortium Program through the Physics Department at Christian Brothers University. This dual focus has not only deepened my understanding of design but also provided a strong foundation in critical thinking and problem-solving. My education in design taught me the fundamentals of composition, lighting, and visual storytelling, which have been pivotal in my video creation. Additionally, it served as a catalyst for developing skills in editing, sound design, and narrative structure, enabling me to refine my craft independently.
I’ve been an Alaskan fisherman for six years, combining my love for fishing with a desire to showcase what life is truly like at sea. Experiencing the importance of knowing where our food comes from has deepened my passion for capturing the raw reality of this way of life and highlighting the value of understanding food at its source.
My trusty steed Sophia and our objectives.
Meet Sophia, my trusty steed. I picked her up when she had just 70,000 miles on her and, over the years, we’ve been through a lot together—she’s carried me over 250,000 miles since then. Together, we’ve explored all 48 state capitals and every national park, traveling through some rugged and awe-striking landscapes in the country.
A month ago, I decided to put down temporary roots in Portland, Oregon, to begin a long, complex, and likely arduous endeavour but very rewarding nonetheless. Here, I’m delving into research and connecting with farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and scientists to start documenting what’s really happening in the world with our food.
It’s not only about food but learning from the people who grow, raise, catch, and produce it. It’s about understanding why these local, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients are important—not only for our health but the people working behind the scenes. I’ll be using Sophia to transport me to farms, ranches, fisheries, and research labs across the country, capturing stories of the individuals who put their efforts into the food we eat.
Sophia and I have a lot of miles left to cover, but its just the beginning. Through this documentary work, I hope to share what I learn—about our food and how we can all make better choices for our health and the people who sustain us. Let’s learn from others and hear their stories to help us understand ourselves and the world a little bit better.
Why I travel and live uncomfrotably
A main thing I’ve learned from my solo travels is that fear does not exist.
- relate to fear with food
- misinformation
- manipulating our minds