I wanted to tell you about the lovely little book I received
for Christmas. Originally printed in 1985, it's a photographer's
chronicle of a cat named "Ernie." The photos are charming and
whimsical, capturing the sweetness and naughty character of this
feisty, fur ball !
Tony Mendoza, arrived to New York City, his car loaded down with
photography equipment, no place to live and a determination to make
it big in the art world. He posted adverts all over downtown Manhattan,
looking for an inexpensive loft. One day he noticed someone else's ad ...
The advert read:
A painter wishes to share a darkroom-equipped loft with another artist.
Tony rushed to the nearest phone.
The conversation went something like this:
"Hello, my name is Tony Mendoza. I'm a photographer and I just
saw your ad."
"Are you allergic to cats?"
"No, I don't think so. You have a cat?"
"Do I ever!"
The book is narrated, by both the artist and the cat.
The cat's ill-mannered viewpoint - told exactly as a cat might
think, makes it spirited and adds a bit of quirk. I love this book !!
Big fight - bring it on !!
"Ernie" went out of print in the early nineties. Tony kept hearing from
fans - where could they get another copy ? Their original book was
falling apart, or a friend wanted a copy, or they wanted it as a gift.
Tony decided to have it re-published. (2001)
The new and improved edition of Ernie has fourteen photos
not included in the 1985 printing and better quality pictures.
I have a select few photography books on my bookshelf -
photography captured by great artists such as Atget,
Sanders and Stieglitz. I'm thrilled to add Ernie to my
collection !