Salinger Prints Debut with Documentary

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today photographer Michael McDermott released a rare 1979 photo of J.D. Salinger, featured in a Weinstein Co. production about the reclusive author. One hundred limited edition prints of the photograph (one of the few Salinger images ever published) went on sale the same day as the premiere of the documentary "Salinger."

"There are perhaps a handful of Salinger images out there," said McDermott. "After three decades, the release of the documentary inspired me to make this historic photograph available to the public. It has been painstakingly reproduced using a process that is worthy of this extraordinary image." 

The film, "Salinger," is directed by Shane Salerno, best known as screenwriter of the films "Armageddon," "Alien vs. Predator" and "Savages." Recently, Salerno was signed to write the Avatar sequel with James Cameron. The documentary "Salinger" has an exciting opening with McDermott re-enacting how, at 20 years old, the photographer captured Salinger on film for Newsweek—a mission others had tried, but failed to accomplish. Unique in its candid portrayal of Salinger, the photo shows the author in casual dress, holding his car keys. Salerno features the McDermott photograph throughout the film using it as the iconic image of Salinger.

In addition to the movie, McDermott's rare and historic photograph of J.D. Salinger is printed on page 99 in Salerno's first book, Salinger, which was released by Simon & Schuster on September 3, 2013.

The 15-by-19.375-inch reproductions were created using photogravure, the richest and most permanent method for printing photographs. John Goodman, the artist credited with keeping the photogravure process alive, created the prints. "I chose this method not only for its quality and beauty, but also because it translates an image created by light into an image drawn by layers of ink," said McDermott. "It also resembles the printing process used for books and magazines, reflecting the literary importance of the photograph."

"The print is a tribute to a literary genius," said McDermott. "It provides Salinger's fans, present and especially future, a brief and candid glimpse of the talented, brilliant man."

To ensure proper provenance the prints are numbered, signed by the artist, and accompanied by a letterpress printed certificate of authenticity as well as the story of how McDermott shot it. The print and documents are presented in a handcrafted box folio.

Photogravure uses a copper plate created from a negative to transfer ink to paper. The copper plate used to produce the Salinger prints has been permanently encased in acrylic, guaranteeing that it can never be used to produce more prints.

Visitors can view the photogravure print and learn how it can be purchased at http://www.jdsprint.com

CONTACT:

Michael McDermott
(503) 816-0774
[email protected]
http://www.jdsprint.com

Related Links

J.D. Salinger Limited Edition Photogravure

Video with caption: "J.D. Salinger Limited Edition Photogravure." Video available at: http://youtu.be/OpkMEjLzae4

Image with caption: "J.D. Salinger Limited Edition Photogravure." Image available at: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130906/MM75791

SOURCE STUDIO MCDERMOTT