A Newcastle-based artist and reproduction expert have collaborated to produce a new piece of art unveiled at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) overnight.
This year's HMRI Art Series is the product of a collaboration between Researcher of the Year, Professor Brett Nixon and visual artist, Mitch Revs.
The University of Newcastle's Professor Nixon is a member of the HMRI Pregnancy and Reproduction team, and his research focuses on genetic and environmental factors which impact the quality of sperm.
At the HMRI Community Seminar last night, Professor Nixon said seeing his work come to life brought tears to his eyes.
"I've devoted my life to this research field, not for the accolades but more to try and improve the outcomes for people that are suffering from infertility," he said.
"I'm very touched by what Mitch has brought out of our research. He's a genuine artist."
The one-off artwork titled "Seedling" aims to shed a light on the crucial need for more researchers in the fields of infertility and reproduction, and showcase the significant fertility research being run out of laboratories in the Hunter.
Mitch Revs was specially chosen to produce the artwork for this year's Series, and said he couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a worthy cause.
"My biggest fear was not being able to reflect him (Brett) how he needs to be reflected; I felt a lot of pressure around the objective because I wanted to do a good job," Mitch said.
"To have my work displayed at HMRI is a massive honour and achievement for me; it's one of those boxes everyone wants to tick."
"Hopefully we can raise some much needed funds when we auction the artwork in a few weeks."
"Seedling" will be auctioned at the HMRI Ball on Saturday June 17th.
The money raised from the auction will go towards funding more vital research projects in the Hunter.
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| Image: Mitch Revs |
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| Image: Michelle Lawson |
