I Photographed an Artist Living in her Tribeca Loft Since 1974

Buy the book: bookshop.org/p/books/joshua-c...
Contact me: [e-mail]
To inquire about purchasing a print, please contact: [e-mail]
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.
Claire Fergusson is a multi-disciplinary artist that has lived in her Tribeca loft for the past 50 years. Her work is in the MoMa Archive. For interest in purchase of Claire Fergusson's artwork, email: [e-mail]
To see Claire's upcoming show:
~ Vera & Claire ~
June 14, 15, 16 ~ noon to 4 pm
Collage Art
939 8th Ave (Studio 606) NYC
~ tel. [phone] ~
Video Directed by Joshua Charow
Cinematography by Daniel Chang
Edit by Abraham C. Howard
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Follow me on Instagram: / joshuacharow

[@emeljurd3231]

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

[@kendralangdon7316]

Indeed..

[@ritazita1111]

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.

[@robertburatt5981]

Inspiring--and charming! One can see from the way she is that, in spite of her difficult childhood, she has retained her spontaneity, and with that, her charm.

[@tea98988]

I hear you. Our group artist studios got sold too. I’m now renting an office space. It doesn’t make me want to go in.

[@lshwadchuck5643]

And now she's immortal here. Well done.

[@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.

[@tomfromoz8527]

TRUTH! And I know the store because my mother got all the light fixtures for the house they bought in Jersey from that store. We lived at 86 E 4th on the corner of 2nd ave. I was angry for decades that they moved me, especially when the Lowes theater became *Filmore East!* Pam {Tom's wife}

[@LilyGazou]

I had to leave NY just to have breathing space. I used to have a big factory space in Seattle then that got torn down to build a skyscraper. Now I’m hoping for a barn out in the desert.

[@plev10]

You got to live the NYC dream. Unfortunately it's now a nightmare unless you're a Finance Bro or Trustafarian who'll happily pay 6 grand a month to rent a studio in Bushwick. 😐

[@deboramccallum3987]

Thank you for this detailed memory those were fun times. Creativeness is medicine for the soul.

[@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!?

[@Ulexcool]

who tf says "oi" in NY bro? 🤣

[@alkebulansan]

@@Ulexcool 😉

[@MTMF.london]

@@Ulexcool "oy vey" is what they say there bro

[@OH.A.M.]

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

[@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.

[@suzydoodle6348]

I completely agree! While I can appreciate digital art I fear it will someday overcome the human, heart & soul, hands on art that I so love.

[@myradioon]

Since A.I. is on the scene and changing everything!

[@chioma916]

nah ---there are swaths of us kids of the digital age that are drawn to 'analog'/hands on processes bc of the over digitization of everything (see: the popularity of 35mm film/other modes of physical artmaking during the pandemic). heterogeneity always exists, and artists are always gonna art; in my eyes its human nature. do not despair my friends (:

[@garywillis7467]

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

[@cestsibon5]

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

[@joshuacharow]

Thank you!

[@susanmarcoux7005]

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

[@scottbookman]

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

[@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!

[@deirdredear]

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

[@randysturgis9635]

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.

[@becauseiam7915]

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...

[@LilyGazou]

Wonderful! So glad for you.

[@JJJettplane]

I always received the same daunting messages about wanting to be a professional artist. I was told to do something more sensible like nursing or teaching. The next thing I knew I was married with 3 kids in my 20's. I'm a senior now too and have lots of things around me I've made. I've made a decision to create a room in my house as a shrine to honor a life I could have lived but only had time to dabble in it between all the other responsibilities. This video was very inspiring.

[@simpleartofhealing286]

From an artist to artist perspective, I appreciate and respect Claire. Chuckled aloud when she spoke abut wanting to get into the bible and what her mother said! So funny! Lovely photos. You capture the essence of the space and person interaction perfectly. Talent.

[@calvinpaul4456]

I really can’t thank you enough for this beautiful video, capturing this beautiful woman and her story. What a unique space created by an incredible soul. Cheers.

[@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.

[@LilyGazou]

What a great way to live within a city.

[@MsAston007]

BRAVO! Great video. A true artist and free spirit who dedicated her life to making ART!

[@Welshguy78]

What an amazing lady. So vibrant and full of life and humour. What I would give to spend an hour talking to her about her work and life.

[@ronaldolamont]

A great series! As an artist living in New York, and always struggling to find good affordable space to work in, it's nice to see this!

[@joshuacharow]

Thanks so much! I agree its fascinating to see other artists spaces and how they've been able to make it work over the years.

[@deboramccallum3987]

"You know..i had a difficult childhood but I won't go into that".. isn't it amazing how people survive, then thrive after such experiences ..❤

[@rosalieo5045]

This is the exact kind of work I want to do (artist interviews), just in a different city/cities. Very inspirational to me, thank you.

[@dopeplanetwatcher4471]

i really enjoy this , Claire is one of kind she’s now my inspiration to get back to painting. ❤️

[@joshuacharow]

Incredible! She is one of a kind.

[@SurrealRandomThings]

She is gorgeous, her home reflects that

[@mofolk8896]

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

[@bluesburg]

Joshua, that was like viewing interior landscape photography for me, a panorama of Claire's space and passion for creativity in her small canyons of color. And Claire has a wonderful voice for storytelling , a very approachable artist. Thanks to both of you for this video.

[@joshuacharow]

This is the kindest message. Thank you so much!

[@monikabrandenstein5011]

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.

[@paul_domici]

Man she's just so cute!!! Thanks for sharing her story : )

[@sigridtrumpy8203]

My dear friend and comrade Claire, portrayed so beautifully here. Great work Joshua Charow and Claire! I love it!

[@bonniesidler4309]

This is awesome. She seems like such an incredible multifaceted artist, living such a full life in a crazy space. Thanks❤ for sharing

[@lovelyshirl]

What a remarkable woman. Bravo, Claire, bravo! ❤❤❤

[@RagsCS]

every few weeks i look forward to these uploads, im completely obsessed!!

[@dejewa]

What an EXCITING series! Pure joy seeing these lovely artists. The stories! And their gorgeous flats. As an artist, a DREAM. Thank you for making this your project. Just can’t wait to see more of these beautiful souls. The Miro that burned 😢

[@0oomarluis1990]

WOW! The pictures, stories, music, and the energy captured is amazing! It's very intimate. This is a masterpiece of their masterpieces. 👏🏽

[@christinajarmolinski727]

Again you have hit the spot. Your videos of artists show the true living and ambitions of professional artists. Thank you again for you sensitivity.

[@BillyVerden]

Absolutely Love this Interview and Artist! Thank You Both!!

[@K2blades2]

That was fun to watch! Thank you!! Claire Elenor is great!

[@AScott-cg4cu]

Precious. Thank you both.

[@ea1112]

That's such a life affirming film - thank you for the wonderful work you do !

[@kaitlinmeadows6273]

Thank you for sharing the richly layered, intricately woven, miraculously vivid stories and spaces of artists!

[@fraserradford6551]

Another beautiful video, Josh. Claire seems like a wonderful soul with numerous stories to tell.

[@peterlundskow4061]

Thanks, another great artist's loft video! I look forward to more!

[@lewiskinser8320]

Such a sweet soul in that woman. It’s so beautiful that u were able to meet her and share her life. She deserves success and I honestly hope she achieves it by ur publicity and introducing the rest of the world to her

[@RFazor]

A lovely artist

[@CBbehereNOW]

Incredibly beautiful. Thank you

[@AnnaBelangerAnnabelle]

Loved the story of the artist, Claire captured by the artist behind the camera. Loved this! Thank you both ,for sharing .

[@raimonda6653]

Thank you to share Claire and her art , home … what a beautiful energy she has through her smile . ❤

[@janissteadman285]

thank you for doing these, what a privledge to see into this world

[@dynawobble]

This is absolutely beautiful! 💛

[@TheStuport]

Wowzers...i so enjoyed meeting and greeting this wonderful lady! A living tribute to her life, her art, her outlook and her feelings! The ensemble of her experiences over her life are Priceless!

[@violagirl6132]

I loved watching this. Life as art. Incredible. Thank you.

[@golden1789]

Spectacular. Thank you.

[@pathughes8221]

What a wonderful video, the artis is such a tender soul. Thank you.

[@AliseL22]

Enjoyed this very much. Claire is an absolute gem 🩷

[@JasonLovesLife]

Amazing! I love seeing other artists' workspaces. So COOL!

[@bikiniburger4376]

This was so beautiful.

[@flyinhawaiian7226]

I love artists. They see and create what we don't see. Art wakes us up. Claire is such a kindred spirit. She has the ability to make us forget the bad in the world and give us hope and kindness through ArT! ❤

[@debbiesavage7107]

This was lovely!❤

[@ptitecanadienne]

I really enjoyed hearing Claire’s story. Cool woman. Thanks for sharing these with us.

[@fosbury68]

She's the most glorious work of art of all.

[@carolhudak3173]

Thank you. Very sensitive presentation.

[@Yakov2050]

Lovely lady. Thank you for sharing this with us

[@deboramccallum3987]

What a lovely person who has a grateful look on life

[@theyareamongusbelieve8900]

Absolutely beautiful recollection of art and memories! The lady great artist!

[@TJ-jq9bz]

I love her. Thank you!

[@MicciCohan]

I just loved this so much! Thank you for this amazing film! Luv her so much and her art! And hello! that space! I had an amazing loft space on the Bowery betw. Houston & Prince from '94- 2001 and so lucky was I cause the opportunity to have that was zilch lol shortly after that as we all know... It's so great to see these artists you document and they're still there and thriving!!++

[@DavidBaral]

Another banger Joshua, this is real art.

[@dissidentfairy4264]

I loved listening to Claire and seeing her art. I can identify with her thoughts on death and the need to leave some kind of legacy. It was never important to me in the past, but I've been thinking about it a lot more lately as well. She mentioned the Bible which intrigued me as I have an interest in it too:-) As an eclectic artist, I felt a connection with her:-) 💫🧚✨ PS I make unique one-of-a-kind greeting cards too...just for fun:-)

[@shimaohana]

What an enjoyable video on such an interesting talented lady. Thank you for sharing her many talents. Just think of all that she has seen and done over the years.

[@scrapowl9173]

*BEAUTIFUL!!!*

[@dawnkokal8392]

Thank you for your wonderful video. So inspiring and beautiful !

[@bruce-le-smith]

lovely interview and video, thank you. reminds me of lofts in Montreal too, I saw some great collaborative puppet and music shows in the early 2000s

[@Lemonstreetmusic]

Fascinating history - good clip - well done

[@JordanDennisLeadingYouHome]

What an infectious smile!

[@busyliss]

Superb. Thank you!!

[@mattcan69]

What a delightful woman !!

[@liddybird3608]

I just found your channel and I love it. Thank you!

[@LynnLBE]

This was wonderful❣️❣️

[@IslandGirl755]

She is beautiful, loved the video and her art work.

[@vbush17]

Thank you for making these videos!

[@joshuacharow]

Thank you for watching them!

[@5262janna]

Love this!

[@elisaf.1651]

Forever young and creative. Lovely woman 🌺

[@danielrattigan2703]

I’m hinging on every gd word while watching each of these episodes. Thank you for your work.

[@joshuacharow]

Incredible! Glad you enjoy them.

[@suzydoodle6348]

Oh! This video made my day, thank you for introducing me to Claire! She's amazing 😍. She is living the life I dream of, what a wonderful personality and so adorable, I want to learn more about her. Thank you Josh! I absolutely want to purchase your book, just have to save a little to do so. New subscriber here and happy to be one 😊

[@highfades2594]

great episode! looking forward to getting your book

[@joshuacharow]

Thank you so much! They’ll be shipping around April 18th.

[@LadySaraB]

what a beautiful documentary!! she is lovely and I wish I could know more about her life!

[@bambam76]

Love love love! Such beautiful, meaningful and inspiring content.

[@joshuacharow]

Thank you so much!

[@queenminaable]

Claire is so interesting and her art is Beautiful!!♥️♥️♥️

[@coressaclark6354]

Beautifully done

[@cwbaldwin61]

So inspirational. Such a lifetime of beauty. Wonderful post and I ordered the book today. Can't wait to receive it! Like and Subscribed as well.

[@psrosemary]

Wonderful videos. I’m looking forward to receiving your book. Thanks!

[@susangladstone357]

Beautiful

[@giovannifurnari8668]

Champion lady and artist ❤ Thx for the video 🇦🇺🦋❤️🧡🖼️

[@mainmanmainlining7575]

Absolutely incredible women! Wow! Loved this so much.

[@joshuacharow]

Agreed. Thanks for the kind words!

[@juliebooton1360]

Lovely video. What an amazing lady.

[@Melinda_Ross]

I love this so much.

[@btimec5290]

Awesome- a great doc!!

[@SandiByrd]

This lady is thoroughly fascinating. I adore her energy 🥰 I bet she's got some wild stories. Also - newly subscribed - your pictures were captivating!

[@MaxDooney]

Love this project just ordered a book