OAKLAND (KRON) — An artist who planned to collaborate with projects at the “Ghost Ship” co-op in Oakland, described moments before the warehouse caught on fire Friday night.
KRON4’s Ella Sogomonian spoke to the survivor from that fatal night, who described the place as a beautiful, collaborative space for artist to support one another and continue to inspire one another in their artistic endeavors.
According to the artist who wished to remain anonymous, the “Ghost Ship” always had it’s doors open, a creation years in the making and this was supposed to be the first visit of many.
“It was amazing the work they were creating in the spaces there,” the survivor said. “Every single inch of the space was a composed art piece.”
The place that was described as being filled with tapestries, antiques and creative artwork was also seen as a labyrinth. The survivor remembers what happened that night at 11:30 p.m. when she was outside witnessing the place engulfed in flames.
“Suddenly black smoke was coming out of the door to the side-yard which was an exit I think that most people had no idea existed,” the survivor said. “I would have never had found it.”
Another artist, who was supposed to attend the event at the “Ghost Ship” was terrified at the fact that he was supposed to be there.
Now artists’ are mad at the high cost of living in the Bay Area that force them to live in unsafe conditions. The “Ghost Ship” was place of affordability to all artist who wish to reside in the Bay Area.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city of Oakland could cost up to $1,000 and more.
An investigation is ongoing for the blaze that took the lives of 36 people.