Mitch Revs: How COVID allowed Newcastle artist to fill not one gallery, but two

Newcastle artist Mitch Revs spent lockdown in the studio, and now he’s ready to share what he created.

Mitch Revs spent lockdown creating enough art to fill two galleries. Picture: Andreas.pro.

Mitch Revs was 18 when he and a mate bought a tattoo machine off eBay.

He admits it wasn’t a smart purchase, but credits that decision for his circumstances today.

After completing half a tattoo apprenticeship, Revs put down the gun and picked up the paint brush, and has been working on his art ever since.

Revs’ style has evolved since his first artwork in 2014. Picture: Andreas.pro.

“Surfing and skating has always been a huge part of my life,” Revs said of his inspiration.

“Skateboards were our form of transport to get us from one beach to another.

“Growing up reading and watching cartoons, I was always fascinated by the disproportionate limbs and quirky characteristics, and I knew this would be where I would take my new found love for art.”

His art featured on the 95th anniversary Vegemite jar. Picture: Supplied.

Since his first artwork depicting Merewether Beach in 2014, Revs has built a solid portfolio and his own signature style.

Undeniably Australian, his work was chosen to feature on the 95th anniversary Vegemite jar.

“I wanted to make my own stories that reflected my town and lifestyle, to make people happy, to bring back those nostalgic feels, and most of all bring fun and laughter into homes across Newcastle,” he said.

Revs’ latest exhibition, 'All in a Year', is on now. Picture: Andreas.pro.

For the past two years Revs has been bringing that fun to public spaces, working on a series of murals.

But it was the “Oh, deer” artwork that inspired him to create smaller works again, and the pandemic that gave him the time.

“Once COVID hit I started locking myself in the studio and set my mind to completing enough works to fill my two galleries, Mitch Revs Gallery and Makers Creators on Hunter Street.

The ‘Oh, deer’ work inspired the rest of the ‘All in a Year’ exhibition. Picture: Andreas.pro.

“Six months later, here we are.”

COVID restrictions have, of course, changed the way Revs’ latest exhibition is presented.

While his last exhibition filled a warehouse, ‘All in a Year’ can only be viewed by invite, or by reserving a ticket.

Art enthusiasts can also take a virtual tour of the exhibition online.

The series takes a different approach to Revs’ previous works, with aerosol and acrylic paint blended in original paintings, and starting sketches displayed alongside digital illustrations.

Revs said his growing confidence had spurred his experimentation.

“There are some things that don’t differ, the bright colours,” he said.

“I want people to view this and be happy, and I want to be happy while doing this.”

For tickets to ‘All in a Year’, visit the Mitch Revs Gallery website.