I Photographed an Artist Living in her Tribeca Loft Since 1974

I spent the past two years creating my first photography book titled 'Loft Law. The Last of New York City's Original Artist Lofts' about artists living under the protection of the Loft Law. The law, enacted in 1982, granted protection and rent stabilization to thousands of artists who were living illegally in commercial and manufacturing zoned lofts in neighborhoods like Soho, Tribeca, and the Bowery after the manufacturing industry predominantly left Manhattan. I photographed and interviewed over 75 artists who are still living in these incredible lofts to this day. The photographs explore some of the most unique beautiful, and hidden artist studios across New York City. The book includes writing and personal stories from the incredible group of artists featured in the book.

Video Directed by Joshua Charow
Cinematography by Daniel Chang
Edit by Abraham C. Howard

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[emeljurd]

There is no separation between her art and her life. What a beautiful, intelligent, special woman. Thank you for capturing these rare, inspirational lives.❤️

[ritazita]

I've been a painter for more than 30 yrs in the San Francisco Bay Area. I had a large NYC style loft/warehouse for 12 + years. It was very expensive and like a second home, actually it was larger than my house in Menlo Park, which is on the Peninsula south of SF. It had everything but a shower. Fabulous dinners with friends and lots of parties. It got sold so I had to move out and back into my medium size studio at my house. I have great memories of The Studio Years.

[OH.A.M.]

You capture the essence of this artist and her smile is one of them.

[acedrumminman]

I came here in 1971 an aspiring jazz musician...for us, finding a place where we could play and practice was paramount. My first loft was 76 Jefferson St lower East Side between the bridges. It was at that time a famous building because of it's occupants...it was dilapidated, water froze in the toilet in the winter, you could see the street where your floor and support walls met...we played with big bands, rock bands, small groups till dawn. They condemned that building a few years later....we then went to Chelsea, a factory at the ground floor during the day, upper three floors belong to a writer who loved musicians...we took over every floor and built a studio in the rear, 14 foot ceilings with egg crates stabled to the walls for sound. Got booted from there when she sold the building...took a 3500 sq ft loft on Bowery and Grand above a lighting store. Three large sky lights, huge gas heaters hanging from the ceiling...played all night slept all day. Then around 1978 the landlords realized what they had...the era of the AIR days were all but over...
New York had character then..now it's Disneyland.

[MauiBodyworker]

You know, these may be the last views of the artists process and studio itself since digital is on the scene and changing everything. What a wonderful project you have undertaken. This woman is divine and certainly has lived the artist life.

[alkebulansan]

What a worthwhile New Yorker this lady is. A depiction of real NYC back in the day. So healthy, so rich in spirit and so vibrant in life, compared to what a shitty little disaster it is now. Oi! Where's my latte!?

[garywillis]

Clair by name Clair by nature - seems so fresh and happy.
I can see her as a young artist - person - a tribute to the life in art 🙏thank you

[mofolk]

What a beautiful soul. Her smile lights up the room! ❤

[scottbookman]

How can you not love her.Can't wait for the book.

[susanmarcoux]

Well it's official 😮 I have definite 'STUDIO' envy! What a beautiful woman and a wonderful space for her to thrive ❤🎉

[cestsibon]

Enjoyable tribute to Claire as well as a glimpse of one of the NYC lofts of our times.

[deirdredear]

A beautiful and talented kind soul. She's so lovely. Thank you for recognizing her .

[jenniferstone]

Claire Eleanor Ferguson. A wonderful lady, amazing artistic soul. Thank you for this pleasurable glimpse into this artists life. ❤

[DottyDelightful]

I absolutely loved this and her, thank you so much for creating and uploading them, you are my favourite channel on here. Imagine having a space that big to have the freedom to create what you want, its like a dream!

[lshwadchuck]

And now she's immortal here. Well done.

[loismcelroy]

So happy this series is being done. It lifts the spirits and, demostrates humanity by celebrating the creative. Thank you.

[drawingmomentum]

Beautiful ❤I grew up on the 2nd floor in a warehouse in the 70s. My artist father had a framing studio on the 1st floor. I met alot of my parents artist friends. I love open airy and sunlit loft spaces. I remember riding my bicycle around on the 3rd floor. We had 2 pianos and the space was still huge. Very hard to heat in winter tho.

[becauseiam]

I'm an Artist and watching and listening to this lady ..made me wonder where I'd be had I started from school like educator's had directed me .but parents claimed I would only make money after I'm dead ..old school ...I'm a senior ..she is making me smile and my heart happy imaging living a life like hers .. My home is starting to reflect who I am as an artist and you have no idea the happiness it brings . I wish her Everything Beautiful. Be Well All...

[monikabrandenstein]

I am fascinated by the sensitive way you designed the film and the interview. And so wonderful photographs of this impressive woman and artistic personality were created. This loft is without a doubt an art paradise.

[randysturgis]

Josh these are important people and stories that you are sharing and elevating.
Real hard working creative people who are following their dreams and living embodiment of their passion. These beautiful spaces, and vital artists are inspiring, along with your photos and vids. I hope sales of your book are successful and never banned. Thank you for sharing this wonderful project with us.