Mike ‘Ringo’ Rings

Mike ‘Ringo’ Rings career began in New Zealand in 1973 creating artwork for the surf and tourist industry in a large screen printing business. His colourful and often humorous, distinctive style was reproduced onto t-shirts, posters, mugs, etc, creating many reprints of his more popular designs. He had two successful solo exhibitions in Wellington before moving to Sydney, Australia, where Ringo worked for David Jones Advertising Department as an illustrator and graphic designer. His hundreds of line and wash illustrations of shoes, handbags and clothes were reproduced many times in the Sydney Morning Herald over the years.

From there, Ringo headed north to travel Australia picking up work at many art studios and selling his paintings at local art and craft markets on the weekends. The positive response from the public, combined with the successful selling of his paintings, encouraged Ringo to increase his commitment to his art work. 

After a short trip to Europe, Ringo eventually settled in Melbourne, spending a few years at advertising agencies and design studios before setting up his own business, ‘Ringo Art’. He was represented by the Talent Store booking agency and his clients included; Nissan Australia, Empire Records, Law Institute of Victoria, Tattersall’s, Business Council of Australia, The Age Newspaper, Australian Geographic and  McMillan Publishing. His art was reproduced under licence onto placemats, coasters, fridge magnets and tea-towels and sold Australia wide.

In the last few years he has also designed and painted over 300 murals in and around Melbourne and has been an “Artist in Residence” at schools across the state. He has traded at markets across Victoria for many years.

Ringo can now be found on Sunday’s at the iconic St.Kilda Esplanade market where he sells his paintings.

In 2008, Ringo entered the Beaumaris Art Show, winning the People’s Choice Award. Today, he continues to add to his catalogue of art work. Ringo spends his time between Melbourne and the Victorian coast, with these locations proving to be a strong influence on his subject choice. Ringo will continue to exhibit his work in shows and galleries throughout Melbourne and coastal Victoria. 

Galleries
Without Pier - Hampton and Cheltenham
Mayyung Galleries - Mt. Eliza, Sorrento, Portsea and Malvern
South Yarra Art House - South Yarra