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Bruce Weber

American, b. 1946
Drew Barrymore, Bellport, NY, 1992
Gelatin Silver Print.
One Size Only / 11 x 14 in / 27 x 35 cm
Hand-signed by artist, titled, numbered and dated on print verso
Edition of 15 — 11 x 14 in / 27 x 35 cm
© The Artist

"I took this photograph of Drew Barrymore at our house in Bellport on Long Island in 1992 for Interview Magazine.

From the very beginning, Nan and I adored her spirit. Drew was a real wild child in those days, but so charming and loving. I had that wonderful feeling like I couldn't take enough pictures of her.

She fell in love with one of our dogs, Rain, so I took a crazy picture of her with Jamie Walters and Rain, flopped out on the picnic table with all the food and everything all around them. It was a unique time in my career photographing young actors like Drew-so many of them had an openness and freedom that is hard to imagine now, when everyone's public persona is so carefully crafted.

I have an enduring fondness for Drew-I catch her TV show sometimes in the morning and have a laugh, thinking, "Oh my God, she's still at it." Drew has that spirit of a kid, even after a lifetime in the public eye. I admire her for that-I can't imagine anyone young at heart in Hollywood not wanting to be like her.

This photo is also a reminder of my assistants' patience-that's Lance Acord on the right holding my Pentax. After working with me, he went on to become an accomplished cinematographer.

Our Bellport house had this really tiny hallway-we were all crammed in there together with the equipment and cigarette smoke. Not the easiest conditions to do a light meter reading. But I like how it feels like we're at an entrance to a downtown nightclub, even though it's a little house in a country town.

I hope that when actors see work we did together at the beginning of their careers it puts a smile on their face. It certainly has that effect on me."

Bruce Weber

Drew Barrymore, Bellport, NY