I Made a Photo Book about NYC's Original Artist Lofts

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4 ай бұрын

Buy the book: www.damianibooks.com/en/produ...
To inquire about purchasing a print, please contact: info@westwoodgallery.com
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 (Article 7-C of the Multiple Dwelling Law), 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.
Two years ago, I found a map of the remaining protected buildings, rang hundreds of doorbells, and 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.
Subscribe for more videos coming soon!
Follow me on Instagram: / joshuacharow
Book Credits
Photography & Text by Joshua Charow
Published by Damiani Books
Design by Alexander Paterson-Jones
Text Edited by Czar Van Gaal and Kala Herh

Пікірлер: 518

@joshuacharow 4 ай бұрын

Thank you all for the incredible comments! I spent years of my life creating this project, and could not have seen such a positive overwhelming response so quickly. Everyone's kind words are immensely appreciated. Here are the links to buy the book based on where you live. Buy the book in the US: www.joshuacharow.com/book/loftlaw Buy the book internationally: www.waterstones.com/book/the-loft-law/joshua-charow/9788862088152 Buy the book in the UK: uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-loft-law-the-last-of-new-york-city-s-original-artist-lofts-joshua-charow/7593949?ean=9788862088152

@DanielSallros 3 ай бұрын

Your link to "buy the book outside of the US" will only ship to the UK. I live in Sweden and can seemingly not purchase your book :(

@jenniferalexisgavin1759 3 ай бұрын

just ordered the book, can't wait!

@JerryDeanShow 2 ай бұрын

Great documentary! Love it!

@danalmont8340 2 ай бұрын

USA link not working

@joshuacharow 2 ай бұрын

@@danalmont8340 Thanks for the heads up! Here's the link- www.joshuacharow.com/book/loftlaw

@Cmdtheartist 4 ай бұрын

I was an art student in the 80s, I went to a few lofts, they were occupied by a few of my professors. They were beautiful spaces, great light, views, the bare bones of the building all around you. Anither bittersweet memory. Thank you.

@ggc7318 3 ай бұрын

There are still plenty of vacant raw places like this in Buffalo, NY. May be Buffalo should create some programs to save its dead downtown.

@halroxdynasty8683 3 ай бұрын

Omg it's so tragic I can't even imagine how cool it was in the 80's 😢

@douglasmorris4163 3 ай бұрын

I was there as a artist from 72' -80' Lived & built out a couple great loft spaces during that time, we were down there in the middle of the SOHO build out. It was amazing. I searched the streets at night looking for trash that I could use for construction material . When the Broadway Hotel collapsed I got all the wood I needed for my Bar and kitchen build out. The Artist were a Movement, Happy hour you could get dinner snack at Max's Kansas City , and meet up with friends, get the low down on who you could meet to push work, and what was going on with galleries opening on West Broadway. It was rough money wise but exciting. My friend Paul is still in his Loft on Prince St. He moved into it in 1975 . It was a great time, the spaces were huge then, 2,000 to 5,000 square. Major spaces. Thanks for the video and your work to bring the stories for people to see and read .

@bluewren65 2 ай бұрын

Are you sorry you left?

@HBADGERBRAD 4 ай бұрын

These lofts were part of living in NYC as a Broadway baby and sell my paintings 🖼️ to private collectors, bartending at Studio 54 fantasy in high school. 🎉what a FANTABULOUS place to be, create and live in NYC. THIS WAS SO WELL DONE! You’re an amazing storyteller.

@joshuacharow 4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I really really appreciate that

@katana2665 3 ай бұрын

Right time, right place and thousands of artists got to live their dream. Bravo.

@joshuacharow 3 ай бұрын

Exactly!

@JohnTronto 4 ай бұрын

1:09 He was a looker & now has reached his 96th healthily & been living in a cool place creating arts he's blessed. Wish I was his neighbour to hear his stories & learn from him.

@longlivingdude 4 ай бұрын

KInda Paul Newman-ish. He looks great for 96!

@juliannatunde3756 3 ай бұрын

Oh my, I had to rewatch that part, at first my brain just corrected the number to 69… like that man can’t be nearly a hundred

@meshavillar Ай бұрын

I can see Paul Newman. I though Matthew McConaughey at first

@VinceGallop 2 ай бұрын

Besides the photobook, I would love to see it as a full documentary feature film.

@va11ah16 4 ай бұрын

Please tell me you have longer format interviews and are going to release them This is amazing!

@mKruter 4 ай бұрын

this

@joshuacharow 4 ай бұрын

Yes I do! The videos will be coming very soon.

@charleneelovitz3738 3 ай бұрын

Videos on Creative people and creativity are always interesting!!! @@joshuacharow

@thedianarein 2 ай бұрын

You found a great niche here….done so well and I am excited to see more. I am just getting into painting and romanticize what it would have been like to live in a loft space like this in New York. It is the heartbeat of NY as far as I am concerned…..the artists. Bravo!

@joysmith6729 Ай бұрын

So we’ll done ! Look forward to more videos and longer format.

@petehalupka1 4 ай бұрын

Josh. I used to deliver grocers for Whole Foods in Tribeca/towards The Bowery. I was a young artist, and I would deliver to spaces like this all of the time - some were ultra wealthy people, but some names I'd recognize on the manifest - Richard Serra, Chuck Close, and a lot of famous actors. I would sometimes open the freight elevator into spaces as large as factories it felt. I've constantly reflected on this experience over the years, and the pure inspiration that a space like this brings into an artist's life, and how important our spaces are for creating. Then I went to school at The Cooper Union, and would go to professors homes to hang out with my peers and just be blown away at their lofts, not understanding how they could afford it! Of course, I eventually understood. Thanks for sharing.

@tthomas184 4 ай бұрын

It's called gentrification. Poor artists move into spaces no one wants, make an area desirable, then the rich move in.

@Moodboard39 4 ай бұрын

@@tthomas184Yea, now certain parts of Brooklyn are flooding with more whites and Asain people... especially Williamsburg . More affordable buildings and shit !!

@tthomas184 4 ай бұрын

@@Moodboard39 Happened long ago in Williamsburg. Now it's nearly all rich people. I hear it's happening in Bushwick too.

@daniadejonghe4980 3 ай бұрын

Also, at least for Pollack, Barnett Newman etc.. they were all married to women who had jobs teaching. It was a real revelation to me when I found that out. We went to Chouinard, and it was always a source of deep mystery as to how those guys all lived, paid their bills. We always felt guilty.. they worked full time in the studio.. what was wrong with us??? Of course no one ever mentioned that their wives paid the bills. 🤔

@marshhen 3 ай бұрын

@@daniadejonghe4980 You make a great point. Imagine how well you can focus on your art and career if you have somebody who pays the rent with their job, does the laundry, cooks the meals and types up your letters. They had it made. Sucked to be their wives. No surprise there are young men today who fantasize about getting that back. Among my students, the young men get more conservative while the young women get more and more feminist. If only they could all at least afford any rent.

@lineplanevolume 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for capturing this disappearing side of New York... maybe the most romantic part of it.

@karenflaherty2420 4 ай бұрын

Wonderful to see Chuck Delaney again. One of the heros of LMLA. Come visit our loft in Union Square, here since 1978. It was my dance studio. Don't forget about all the beautiful dancers that graced this city.

@joshuacharow 4 ай бұрын

Hi Karen! I was thrilled to capture Chuck since he's so crucial to this history. I'd love to photograph you for this project! Can you send me an email? joshuacharow@gmail.com

@joshuacharow 2 ай бұрын

Hey Karen! I would love to photograph you for this project! Can you send me an email? Mine is joshuacharow@gmail.com

@Ragdolled 4 ай бұрын

Had to rewind to check if I really heard it correct. “I’m 96 years old” he looks so amazing, crazy

@mrpizzacat8273 4 ай бұрын

This in incredibly cool for me, despite living half way across the world and part of a completely different generation these spaces are like a dream, mainly because for many artists in this modern age including myself it’s a far off fantasy as much as a goal. Despite working mainly digitally, the desire for a large evocative space to work on physical stuff is deeply appealing. A space to fill with tools, parts, models, garbage to anyone but me, a suit of old armour, a wall of cactuses, old computer parts, paints, tables, random furniture and a wall of books and crap. Truth be told there is next to nothing I want more.

@SpringNotes 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for covering the last remaining artists' lofts ! Such a fascinating history of New York City's artists. It'll be wonderful to see a full length documentary on this.

@joshuacharow 3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! It's something I'm currently exploring to make happen.

@mikegroccia2273 4 ай бұрын

i cannot believe you have so few subscribers!! what an incredibly well made film. i'm so impressed by your storytelling ability, and your photographic eye. im excited to purchase the publication next. keep up the great work

@joshuacharow 4 ай бұрын

What a kind message. Thank you so much Mike!

@BeantownToBigD 3 ай бұрын

@@joshuacharow will you be doing a video series of the artists and their spaces?

@claytonbking 4 ай бұрын

I have no idea how I ended up here, but super thankful that I did. This is my favorite video I've watched in a long time. Please keep creating, this was amazing 🙏🏻

@upularFTW 3 ай бұрын

Those are some awesome places.

@dpclerks09 4 ай бұрын

This is beautiful. I feel that it's important too, because it also sheds light on how Artists and Creatives of all types completely transfigure not only the spaces in which they live and work, but the surrounding neighborhoods and cities as a whole. It enriches the quality of life for everyone, and shows the true value of what these kinds of people do for the world, whether we realize it or not. Thank you for doing this work, and sharing their stories. ❤🌎

@sebastianlassak4505 4 ай бұрын

Great work. Love it. Would love to see the stories of these artists. Felt like a trailer for a bigger documentary.

@petehalupka1 4 ай бұрын

Have to agree.

@katek1017 4 ай бұрын

I agree, that would be fantastic.

@dave_ 3 ай бұрын

Awesome work!

@joshuacharow 3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much Dave!

@miraklemax 2 ай бұрын

my friend studied under frank mason and I have visited that loft. one of the most incredible and out-of-time places I've even been to in NYC.

@lavan_dulah 4 ай бұрын

Beautiful video - I could watch an entire documentary on this, and I bet the artists you interviewed enjoyed getting to share their spaces and journeys with you. Excited to check out the rest of your project!

@montyandrews6213 4 ай бұрын

Agreed, those artists must have some great stories.

@dillimeinbilli 4 ай бұрын

Really stunning work - would love to have seen a full length film of this even. Congratulations!

@StevenNess 3 ай бұрын

more please! longer please. really loved this.

@Jessebeauchamp 4 ай бұрын

Awesome! You've made it feel slow and thoughtful but also information dense, subscribed!

@joshuacharow 4 ай бұрын

Thanks Jesse!

@petehalupka1 4 ай бұрын

Same feeling here.

@r_e_surface 19 күн бұрын

Thanks for making this beautiful series of lofts and the people living there. This is the only reason for looking at KZfaq for the time being. Thanks Joshua

@Barrrt 4 ай бұрын

This is just excellent. Really. I hope this gets a lot of views and I'm blown away to witness this at 35. Great work!

@joshuacharow 4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

@beamingbirdpictures 4 ай бұрын

Absolutely spectacular idea, video and - I'm assuming - book. It makes me so sad to think about how amazing NYC used to be and so many places in our country and world that have been torn to shreds by corporate nonsense. May the artists rise again!

@Moodboard39 4 ай бұрын

High crime

@byronmillanicia3384 3 ай бұрын

Artist lifestyle is a very exclusive and expensive endeavor, I always dreamed with a space like the ones this artist have, I have only lived in two countries long enough to know that, in both of them creating art is luxury only for a few very talented and lucky individuals!!! To see and admire art is easy and accessible for everyone !!! making good and original art is a totally different experience!!! Respect to the people who is able to accomplish and live such experience.

@pbase36 4 ай бұрын

I've walked past these buildings in NYC for the greater part of my life, not knowing that such wonder was upstairs. Thanks for this.

@tulyar57 4 ай бұрын

This is an important project, Josh, well done. Gentrification is blighting the world's best cities and videos like this highlight both the creativity and aesthetics of artists and the mundane greed of financiers. The irony is that top real estate, interior design companies and their clients will appropriate these appartments, spend millions and kill the originality in trying to imitate it.

@markmcloughlin2751 4 ай бұрын

Steina and Woody Vasulka came from Europe in '65 and rented a loft for $150 a month. They went on to (among other things) found The Kitchen at the Mercer Arts Center before leaving ahead of the real estate boom that pushed a lot of less-fortunate artists out of the neighborhood.

@Archer335 4 ай бұрын

I wish this video were a lot longer. Good work!

@ChrisCammarano 4 ай бұрын

Bought the book right away! I’m so intrigued by your work, can’t wait to have the book in my hand. Ciao dall’Italia!

@lindabowen-trujillo1086 3 ай бұрын

This video is so spot on! Thank you for sharing❤

@jonmc3 4 ай бұрын

Love this. Love the fact that these creatives are still around.

@MyWalk3296 2 ай бұрын

What a great story to tell, photograph & archive. Thank you

@Rooster_77 4 ай бұрын

I love the initiative you took with this. Incredible work! I hope to see more from you.

@michaeldruce9930 3 ай бұрын

This is so good! Congrats Josh.

@romaindancre 4 ай бұрын

Wow! Just discovered you and your work, it is tremendous 👌 That's the kind of documentary photos that are profound and important, well done !

@01suiteness 3 ай бұрын

never knew this was a thing. how amazing. thank you for shining a light on it. The book looks beautiful

@samuelsmithart 4 ай бұрын

I had to immediately buy the book, can’t wait to see it

@joeyw7325 4 ай бұрын

More!!!!…I need more of this!! Awesome idea and execution

@jeovie8172 4 ай бұрын

Wow, you can be proud for this work. Really good Projekt!

@bonniesidler4309 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing so beautifully the enchanting stories and remarkable lofts of these talented fascinating people. ❤😊

@teripolsonful 4 ай бұрын

I’m so ridiculously happy to see some of these lofts and artists; I was reading about the loft laws recently and find the whole history just fascinating. thank you so much for this ♥️

@MidtownSkyport 4 ай бұрын

Great videos on your channel! You have a knack for getting great stories out of people

@farmpite 4 ай бұрын

Wow I’m lost for words, this is so unique and done so well, thank you!

@amandahewson949 4 ай бұрын

gorgeous spaces, gorgeous artworks, gorgeous photos, thanks for the glimpse into these little sanctuaries of creativity, oh also the light.....chefs kiss.

@dambaek. 4 ай бұрын

Beautifully composed, filmed and told. Thank you.

@laurendimatteo7642 4 ай бұрын

This is an amazing project, Josh! Thank you for documenting this. Cheers from San Diego!

@amber588 2 ай бұрын

This is beautiful Josh. Thanks for sharing this on here. Has made my day - so beautiful - inspiring. x

@IntiniOfficial 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for showing this! It would be great to have a longer version of the video documentary - I will check the book!

@PulpDogg 4 ай бұрын

Wow. Thanks for that. Incredible footage. Book went on a "to buy" list immediately.

@adWolf15 3 ай бұрын

That is an amazing idea and a great implementation! Added the book to my wishlist.

@skylar3962 2 ай бұрын

This is so incredible!! Already rewatched twice and paused every 10 seconds to take in these beautiful and wonderfully intricate lofts! What an original piece of work and much deserved recognition you’ve given these artist and this community’s history . Can’t wait to see more, never seen anything like it.

@soniatriana9091 4 ай бұрын

Hello Josh! Wow! Your short video captured so much of what was also unspoken! All the tenants, current & past, are truly incredible TRAILBLAZERS!! As are you, Josh!! Thank you for creating & sharing this awesome video!!!

@milosradmilac8911 4 ай бұрын

Woooow... just the assortment of spaces and different people in them. And they are soooo spacious! This is fantastic!

@kpakaify 3 ай бұрын

So much work. Lofts look like good place to live and create. Thank you.

@ThePearlsofGray 4 ай бұрын

This is awesome history you're capturing. I would definitely purchase your book and/or watch a full length documentary.

@sample.text. 3 ай бұрын

This is outstanding work Josh

@GorilStrom 3 ай бұрын

This is so good!! 🔥 and so fascinating!

@actionimagesphotography 4 ай бұрын

Your photos match this incredible NY story , wonderful!

@caileanalbert5502 4 ай бұрын

What a beautiful exposition of culture, humanity, and history. Great work, please continue creating.

@paperprincess1050 4 ай бұрын

Great story and visuals, thank you.

@katek1017 4 ай бұрын

Ohhhh, what a dream project you created for yourself. I would have loved to been along for the journey. Good luck to you. I have subscribed and will be ordering that book.

@ninetofiverecordings 3 ай бұрын

really looking forward to seeing more

@Shmyrk 2 ай бұрын

These are incredible! I hope the footage is a hint that more interviews are coming

@ZoltanTemesvari_temy 2 ай бұрын

This is fabulous, keep up the great work!

@aussieanne6812 4 ай бұрын

What an important project! Wish I had known about this when I was in New York a couple of years ago. Great video.

@DonalBoyd1 2 ай бұрын

Wow that was incredible to watch! Well done and superb project, sir!

@helendavenport7298 4 ай бұрын

This is fantastic….what a story…..well told.

@AHDEMA. 3 ай бұрын

This is a beautiful video, I’m excited for the next!

@CorpsesofCupids 2 ай бұрын

gorgeous video, thank you for documenting such an integral part of nyc!

@j.0x00n4 4 ай бұрын

Hey Josh, What an absolutely wonderful video you've made. I'll have to check the book out when I've got some spare coin. Keep it up.

@jonnyf3821 4 ай бұрын

Josh, this is amazing! Obviously the story itself. I have never heard about these Artist Lofts before. But also your portrayal of the people, the spaces. The whole Film is an artwork it itself. I like the colors, the ligting, the composition. Excellent!🥳👏

@markarfur1 3 ай бұрын

I would watch a whole movie of this. Your book is now on my next buy list!

@arcana_mystery 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for this I hope you're able to make a full complete film of there are many artists in here I would like to know more about❤

@atothesecondpower 4 ай бұрын

So lovely! Great video.

@bshaliii 3 ай бұрын

Just added the book to my birthday wish list!! This video is so well made, I look forward to the book!

@rafaelpuentescinematograph5620 2 ай бұрын

Josh this a really nice idea ! congrats !!

@dev01d 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for jogging fine memories from the 90s at friends' loft spaces, one of whose I sublet on occasion nr Astor Pl. Good times.

@marcmontebello 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for this. It's truly worthy of an extended version documentary.

@obieandfraerco 4 ай бұрын

This is so cool. I love that you are documenting such an interesting aspect of NYC. I believe Claire Danes grew up in one of these lofts with her artist parents. These long-term loft-dwellers probably have the best stories.

@joelrogan 3 ай бұрын

I will buy more than one. Thank you for doing this most important work. Love from Detroit.

@petterv6604 3 ай бұрын

Wonderful work!

@emanuelcarvalho8510 3 ай бұрын

how amazing to see these artist and heard about their stories as an young artist it makes me very emocional :') there is something really iconic about it that is very disruptive, if you will, that I sadly don't see as much now a days, great to have the access to those how made nyc a brighter place through art ...

@wearetrackclub 3 ай бұрын

Beautiful work, Josh! Love how you put this together. Really intriguing stuff 👏

@newbietubie 4 ай бұрын

What a great video! Please make and share more.

@justintyler4814 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for making this video.

@margotvisconti4464 22 күн бұрын

I am SO intrigued by this Joshua. Thank you for finding this calling and spending your time compiling this work of art within works of art. Truly remarkable and touching.

@cacmrg 4 ай бұрын

Hey, Josh -- I never comment on youtube but you did a wonderful job. As a visual artist myself i cannot tell you how beautiful this is. Will be buying your book. All the love!

@ScottStentenFilms 2 ай бұрын

Fantastic film so well done,, great subjects!!!

@DaveInLAS Ай бұрын

I just discovered you & wow what a brilliant idea! I wish you a million times of great success with this & the rest of your works.

@jspohl 3 ай бұрын

Wonderful to see so many people creating and vital after so many years. Creativity helps keep us young. 🖌️✨💖

@michaelmjc24 3 ай бұрын

Phenomenal! I wish it was a full length film.

@theothermebutwhoami 3 ай бұрын

Absolutely incredible. Quite a unique idea for a video. You managed to encapsulate an overlooked texture of the world that doesn't see much light. An antique. Thank you