Mercer Islander’s images of fame 30 years ago still tell stories

After chuckling at a cover portraying a TSA agent patting down a compliant passenger, it is likely that a few Islanders opened their New Yorker magazine last week to find a local connection to the subject of one of the storied magazine’s features. On page 90, there is a review on a new book, “The Petting Zoo,” by author Jim Carroll. The review of the book, published posthumously last month, includes a black and white photo taken of the artist as a young man. The image conveys the intensity of its subject in a single jolt.

December 14, 2010 10:04 am
A photograph of Jim Carroll taken in 1980 during the same session as the photo published in the New Yorker on Dec. 6.
A photograph of Jim Carroll taken in 1980 during the same session as the photo published in the New Yorker on Dec. 6.

After chuckling at a cover portraying a TSA agent patting down a compliant passenger, it is likely that a few Islanders opened their New Yorker magazine last week to find a local connection to the subject of one of the storied magazine’s features.

On page 90, there is a review on a new book, “The Petting Zoo,” by author Jim Carroll. The review of the book, published posthumously last month, includes a black and white photo taken of the artist as a young man. The image conveys the intensity of its subject in a single jolt. It was taken by Islander Roger Ressmeyer in 1980.

Carroll’s life was portrayed in the 1995 film “The Basketball Diaries.” He was a writer, poet and rock lyricist who even performed with the Rolling Stones, and died on Sept. 11, 2009. His latest novel, “The Petting Zoo,” was published just weeks ago — coinciding with The Rolling Stone Keith Richards’ biography, “Life.” Both have received a good deal of critical attention. Richards’ book is number four this week on the New York Times Best Seller list for nonfiction books. Carroll’s book, although hailed by critics, is possibly less accessible to the masses.

According to all accounts, Carroll was an artist in the classic sense — a gifted but troubled man who was talented, but addicted to drugs.

Ressmeyer, 56, a world renowned photographer, began his career as a freelance photographer for Rolling Stone magazine, later working for Time magazine and National Geographic. His large body of work extends to scientific photography of nature and machines.

Ressmeyer spent several days with Carroll when this picture was taken. “He needed help,” Ressmeyer remembered. “I took care of him and drove him around. I bought him food.”

On their travels, Ressmeyer, a diabetic, had his insulin needles with him. Carroll, a heroin addict, asked the photographer if he could have a couple of syringes for himself. Ressmeyer demurred.

It is ironic, Ressmeyer said, that both Carroll and Richards are in the news, this time for their books instead of music.

Ressmeyer attended Yale University, intending to study science and astronomy, but ended up with finishing a degree in psychology. While at Yale, Ressmeyer was introduced to Jan Werner of Rolling Stone magazine. From there his reputation and portfolio grew to include hundreds of rock artists and events.

Ressmeyer later photographed stars of a different kind, two leading scientists of the last century: chemist and two-time Nobel Laureate Linus Pauling and nuclear physicist Edward Teller.

He has photographed Steve Jobs for Fortune Magazine and Bill Gates for his book cover, “The Road Ahead.”

In 2005, Ressmeyer began a business here named “Science Faction,” which develops and markets photographic images for sale to commercial and scientific users.

Get more info

Read the original story written about Ressmeyer and his photography here: Tripping the light fantastic: Photographer to market images for commercial use.