For as long as we can remember, we’ve been keeping our long-time homie and illustrator Mitch Revs head to toe in Cools whilst he’s worked his signature surf, skate and sea inspired magic on everything from murals to canvases and skate decks around the globe.
Our latest Cools Creators series is recognising some of the finest talents our crew has to offer from the arts, music and culture and beyond. Dive into our first feature with Mitch below.
Thank you for having me! I guess it just comes down to the fact that I always feel the most inspired here in Newcastle.
Creativity just seems to flow more when I am here, it's like Newcastle as a whole is my muse. The reason I never stay when I am away from home is because I would always get stumped creatively. Newcastle was, and is, home, creating just comes easy here.
It was scary at first, I won't lie about that, but we were a part of the unknown alongside everyone else. I have a gallery at 437 Hunter Street, Newcastle, and I had to shut the gallery door, not really knowing when I would reopen them again.
The biggest silver lining was that it allowed time to focus on rebuilding and revisiting my products, I wanted to use the time to make sure when we reopened the doors we were reopening bigger than before.
This meant I was able to begin working on all the pieces for my 'All In A Year' Exhibition, without any distractions or FOMO of not hanging out with friends. The silver lining turned into me creating a whole new body of work.
It was scary at first, I won't lie about that, but we were a part of the unknown alongside everyone else. I have a gallery at 437 Hunter Street, Newcastle, and I had to shut the gallery door, not really knowing when I would reopen them again.
It's hard for tools down when you own your own business! Especially a business that I am able to do anywhere (hello phone/illustrator), however I really try spending time with family. It makes me put those tools down, and be present.
Haha, no name! The kombi was a two year restoration process where I was able to be an artist/creative with the design process - it was epic.
A kombi was always the ultimate surf vehicle to have, my Mum had always wanted a kombi but could we never afford one, so being able to finally get to a stage in my career where I was able to purchase one made me feel like all the hard work was worth it, once it was ready the first thing I did was take her for a drive. It was a really special moment.
Boo Seeka - their last album is constantly on repeat. I think similar to many creatives, lockdown gave them the time to create something incredible.
I created a page called 'makers / creators' for artists that print and frame with our gallery, which allows emerging artists to have a platform and be shared with the MRG community... a couple are Prudence De Marchi, Brittany Ferns and Saltwater Woman.
I hope so, that's the goal when creating these! My top three are probably Go Kindy, the largest mural I would have done to date - but I had so much fun creating a space that children will play and have fun in every day.
Second, The Newcastle Show - this style was so true to my own. Inspiring nostalgia, fun and bright colours - I loved the whole process. Lastly, Big Picture Fest, I created a mural for the City of Newcastle with the main element being a message 'Smooth Seas Never Made A Skilled Sailor' and I hold this one close to my heart as I hope it inspires, validates, and reassures anyone who walks past it.
