Newcastle Artist Mitch Revs Designs Iconic Artwork for Stockton Harbour Swim
Renowned Newcastle artist, surfer, and father Mitch Resevsky, widely known by his artistic moniker Revs, has been selected as the featured artist for the 30th annual Newcastle Harbour Swim. This significant community event, organised by the Stockton Surf Life Saving Club, will take place on Monday, January 26, 2026.
A Community-Focused Collaboration
When approached by the Stockton Surf Life Saving Club to create the official artwork for their milestone swim event, Revs immediately accepted the opportunity. "I love the ocean, and as it's also a community-focused event, it's my way to give back," Revs explained in an interview. "I had a vision of how the artwork would look, I could see it before I even started."
The 1.4-kilometre return swim race begins at Stockton Wharf, crosses Newcastle Harbour, and returns to the starting point. Participants also have the option to complete a 700-metre course. The event serves as a crucial fundraiser for the Stockton Surf Life Saving Club, with Revs' distinctive artwork prominently featured on the club's official apparel for the day.
Capturing Newcastle's Essence
In designing the artwork, Revs focused on creating something that would remain appealing beyond the event itself. "It kind of represents where the swim finishes and starts, the wharf in Stockton and Newcastle, swimmers of all kinds swimming across the channel," he described. "Nobby's headland and waves are the centrepiece. It's very iconically Newcastle and I think it represents the event in a nutshell."
Stockton Surf Life Saving Club member James Callender expressed enthusiasm about both the event and Revs' contribution. "I really enjoy how he has captured the essence of the Newcastle and Stockton community," Callender noted. "His artwork is always so complex; people really enjoy stopping and standing and looking at it, from the details of our rescue personnel to the club colours, to our sponsors."
A Longstanding Community Tradition
Fellow club member Marika Blackwood, who participated in the inaugural Stockton Swim thirty years ago, will be assisting with barbecue duties while cheering on her husband and daughters during this year's event. "It's something special, a one-off, once-a-year thing," Blackwood reflected. "It's a social thing as well for people, a good fundraiser for the club."
Despite his deep connection to the ocean, Revs has no plans to participate in the swim himself. "I don't think I'm going to swim, it sounds sketchy to me. I'm a surfer, I know what goes on under the ocean," he joked.
From Side Hustle to Thriving Business
Revs describes his artistic style as intentionally playful and nostalgic. "I always wanted to create art that's nostalgic, that makes you feel like a kid: playful, quirky, fun, colours, cartoonism," he shared. "I realised early on that because I was not great at art, through cartoons I could make it look wonky and fun. It became a style I leaned into. I did it in a way that felt like me."
What began as a casual venture with a "Gone Surfing" sign on his Hunter Street shop door has evolved into a substantial business enterprise. Today, tens of thousands of Revs' artworks adorn homes throughout Newcastle, and his Junction-based shop operates seven days a week with a team of six staff members.
"It's been amazing," Revs remarked about his artistic career. "I need to take my hat off to Novocastrians who have supported me from the get-go."
The Newcastle Harbour Swim promises excellent conditions for participants and spectators alike, with club member James Callender anticipating "an absolute belter of a day" featuring sunny skies and temperatures reaching 32 degrees.
