I Photographed A Painter in his Magical Brooklyn Loft of 45 Years

Buy the Loft Law Photo book: www.damianibooks.com/en/produ...
Contact me: [e-mail]
Follow me on Instagram: / joshuacharow
To inquire about purchasing a photography print, please contact: [e-mail]
Visit the Loft Law Gallery show: www.westwoodgallery.com/exhib...
Steve Silver is a painter from The Bronx. His work was first shown in New York by Ivan Karp at OK Harris. Steve creates vibrant paintings in large scale series. His pieces line every corner of the 5000 square foot Williamsburg loft that he moved into in 1979. Steve has had exhibitions in Mexico, Germany and Spain; his work has been shown at Art Miami, Art Cologne and Kunstmarkt Dresden. To purchase Steve Silver's artwork, 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.
Buy the book in the US: www.artbook.com/9788862088152...
Buy the book outside of the US: www.damianibooks.com/en/produ...
Video Directed by Joshua Charow
Cinematography by Joshua Charow, Joshua Curley, Giles Perkins, Daniel Chang
Edit by Abraham C. Howard
Sound Mix by Gunnar Nagle
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[@beamingbirdpictures]

Truly baffling to me that this video series doesn't have millions of views. Absolutely stellar. My favorite thing on RUclips at the moment!

[@OH.A.M.]

Don’t know if it’s the cluttering of everything that the artists have around them, but every video that you have shown us feel cozy for some reason, and it’s a great feeling. 🙏🏻

[@creativityworkoutsforartan6951]

The privilege of painting every day does seem too good to be true. I was asked where I was going on vacation this year. I'm not going anywhere. I'm painting. That's the best vacation I can possibly imagine.

[@megansfo]

I loved this video! I'm 74 and back in the 70s was a successful gallery artist in San Francisco. The 70s were truly a wonderful time for young artists! Rents were cheap, You could rent a flat in North Beach for less than $200 a month. My art was colorful and decorative and sold well. But it was no way to get rich. In the 80s, I went into the tech field, and that worked out well for me.

[@weelass3188]

Your RUclips series of artist interviews is great and will be even more appreciated in the years to come when these artists are no more. These people will remain relevant in the future as we look back at society and history. Good work!

[@jamesafenton]

Before Wall Street ruined the America where artists could survive in ample space without pressure to pay usurious levels of their income, such as it is, to try to keep a roof over your head. Occupy!

[@lisahinkofer2085]

It’s my dream to truly live as a painter. What an amazing life living in that big beautiful loft surrounded by his art. I’m a painter born and raised in New York City. My dad was a painter and on Sundays he would take us kids to the museum. The Met and the MOMA and art galleries in SoHo. I’m an abstract artist . Retired from teaching and longing to embrace art but have no space to paint because I gave up space to house my daughter who had no place to live. Watching this amazing artist makes me so happy. Rock on man.

[@mariaalencar4228]

Why this artist is not recognized? He is incredibly.

[@perpetualmaker]

I wanna be his friend. Such a great vibe

[@user-sb1sh3jx7w]

I'm a painter living in S. Williamsburg so I can relate to him. He's right about the space making his work possible. I can only make small paintings working out of a tiny room I rent (and can hardly afford even while working full-time). All I want to do is paint / sculpt but 2024 is a different reality.

[@rumblestar5771]

I really love this whole series on artists, their lofts, and their lives. Wonderful stuff!

[@bonniesidler4309]

What a fabulous guy. You captured his essence! Wonderful film. 😊

[@helenconnolly6805]

What a wonderful, free spirit. He’s got his priorities straight and has the fearlessness, joy and sense of wonder to prove it. Thank you for these tremendous videos 🙏❤️

[@susiejones9182]

This is glorious. Stunning. And wow Steve is so cool. I love his laugh!! He is really an amazing artist.

[@susangillespie4443]

💙✨What an inspiring, gentle human! Thank you Joshua for documenting his humble and genuine spirit… yes, it’s from the Mother… he Knows that. I have goose-flesh!!!💫💙

[@kkfox7822]

What a beautiful thing. The artist is amazing. His work is beautiful. The video is beautiful. The photographs are beautiful.

[@57mgmurray1]

Bravo to Steve Silver and Bravo to you, Joshua Charow, such worthwhile and important work you are doing. And thank you for the opportunity to buy your book.

[@Gumbercules001]

Wonderful man, wonderful story - thanks for showing us all!

[@josephschimmer302]

You have been creating such a tremendous series of videos! Great work!

[@tabortonholdingsinc.8963]

I’m a new subscriber, but have watched 3 or 4 episodes of your work - LOVE IT, keep going, I appreciate your exploration & sharing