OI OI Sailor

Event: OI OI Sailor

Event: OI OI Sailor

Date: TBA

Location: 9-10 Jew St

From Chelsea art school hopeful to lockdown cult figure, Oi Oi Sailor traces the creative journey of Gary Ray Smith – also known as The Knitting Man – in his long-awaited debut solo show.

A graduate of Chelsea School of Art in the 1980s, where he was mentored by the likes of Craigie Aitchison, Gary began his artistic career through painting and textiles – from large knitted landscape blankets to touching portraits like Paintings of My Mother Joey. But like many artists, life called: with four daughters to raise, he set his ambitions aside to provide for his family.

Fast forward to lockdown, and Gary's creativity resurfaced – this time on YouTube. His channel, The Knitting Man, took off, blending quirky humour, knitting patterns, and a cult-favourite Beavis and Butthead skit. What began as a return to making slowly evolved into a full-blown second act.

Enter Claude Decrepney: a rugged sailor muse, inspired by my great-grandad (on my mum’s side), who just so happens to look uncannily like Dad in his youth. Originally created as a model for his knitted vests, Claude quickly took on a life of his own. Part dreamer, part drifter, Claude travels from port to port, tattooed, half-cut, and heartbreakingly charming – with a different wife (and probably a pint) waiting at each dock.

Since moving to Cornwall in 2003, Dad has been soaking up coastal life – sea shanties, pasties, the eccentric beauty of fishing villages – and pouring it all into his paintings. This exhibition celebrates that evolution: from early works to the wild, wonderful world of Claude.

Come raise a glass to Claude – and to Dad. He’s finally setting sail.

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