Jay Maisel, a photographer of exceptional talent and accolades, originated from the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, New York, where he was born on January 18th, 1931.
Maisel's educational background is a testament to his exceptional intellectual curiosity and artistic aptitude, marked by a three-year tenure at the prestigious Cooper Union, where he rigorously developed his skills in design and painting, refining his artistic voice under the guidance of esteemed instructors.
Following his time at Cooper Union, Maisel further expanded his creative horizons by attending Yale University, where he had the extraordinary opportunity to learn from two of the most influential and groundbreaking minds of the 20th century.
Under the tutelage of Josef Albers, a master of the Bauhaus school, Maisel was able to absorb the principles and philosophies of this renowned art movement, which emphasized the unity of art and technology, and the importance of functional design.
Additionally, Maisel had the privilege of studying under the guidance of Buckminster Fuller, a philosopher and engineer of unparalleled genius, who was known for his innovative and visionary approach to design, and his ability to merge art, science, and technology in his work.
Through his time at Yale, Maisel was able to draw upon the collective wisdom and expertise of these two visionary individuals, and to integrate their teachings into his own artistic practice, resulting in a unique and distinctive body of work that reflects his deep understanding of the interconnectedness of art, design, and technology.
The distinguished career of Maisel, a luminary in the world of commercial photography, is replete with an astonishing array of achievements that have left an indelible mark on the industry. Among his most notable accomplishments is the coveted cover photo for the iconic Miles Davis jazz album, "Kind of Blue," a masterpiece that has garnered widespread acclaim and has been certified as one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Furthermore, Maisel's impressive portfolio boasts an impressive five Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers, a testament to his unparalleled skill and artistry in capturing the essence of beauty and athleticism. His work has been extensively published in at least five prominent publications, a feat that underscores his versatility and range as a photographer.
In addition to his impressive body of work, Maisel has also shared his expertise through various courses and tutorials, allowing aspiring photographers to benefit from his vast knowledge and experience. Through his dedication to his craft and his passion for storytelling through images, Maisel has established himself as a true master of his art, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and influence generations of photographers to come.
For an astonishingly long period of approximately four decades and nine years, the renowned individual, Maisel, called a singularly extraordinary abode their home, a 72-room, six-floor family mansion, formerly the Germania Bank building, situated at the address 180 The Bowery, nestled in the heart of lower Manhattan. This one-of-a-kind space, with its labyrinthine corridors and sprawling rooms, served as a veritable treasure trove, where Maisel meticulously accumulated an impressive assemblage of precious treasures and coveted possessions over the years, each item a testament to their refined tastes and eclectic sensibilities.
