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Photographic Memories

CERTAIN PHOTOGRAPHS stay with us forever, etched into our memories. Yet while the images may achieve immortality, those behind the cameras, in contrast, are often lost in anonymity. Aiming to flip that notion around, however, is San Diego photographer Tim Mantoani with his ongoing project, “Behind Photographs.”

Tiananmen Square. Muhammad Ali. Johnny Cash. JFK. Vietnam. Tiger Woods. Chernobyl. Bob Dylan. The World Trade Center. From journalism to sports to fashion to fine art, Mantoani has sought to create an ongoing tribute to humankind’s greatest achievements——and achievers——in photography. Armed with an ancient 20-by-24-inch Polaroid camera with accordion-like lens, he has traversed the country since 2006, capturing the world’s famous photographers as they display the iconic images that have recorded history in the making——and defined our lives.

Adding to the daunting tasks of transporting the camera and tracking down stars in a profession known for temperamental practitioners, Polaroid discontinued that model’s film stock, leading to a run on all that remains. But these negatives quickly disappear when Mantoani’s shot appears ——instantly——in a poster-size print.

“It’s been one of the most rewarding journeys,” he says. “What will come out of it, hopefully, is something remarkable.”

For more, visit mantoani.com. ——ADAM ELDER

She’s SO Animated

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR Ian Falconer has entertained young readers around the globe with his best-selling children’s book series, Olivia, chronicling the adventures of a spunky, 6¾-year-old piglet. Now, this little piggy is setting out to conquer TV audiences, with a starring role in a new Nickelodeon animated series, Olivia. Helping Olivia make the page-to-screen jump is San Diegan Emily Gray, who provides the voice of the beloved title character.

“I used to love the Olivia books as a preschooler and kindergartener,” says Gray, 12. “I still enjoy the books, although I don’t read them frequently anymore. I actually picked up one from my school library to read on the way to Los Angeles for the audition.”

Despite her new starring role and previous appearances in a couple of commercials, Gray enjoys the life of a typical middle-schooler. She plays on a competitive soccer team, divides her time between gymnastics, softball, surfing and track and loves sleepovers with friends, playing with her puppy and eating candy.

So how does Gray relate to a computer-generated piglet half her age? “Olivia and I are both very outgoing and love trying new things,” she says. “The biggest similarity is that we love taking things to the extreme——making everything as perfect as possible.”

One of the challenges in the re - cording studio, says Gray, relates to Olivia’s trademark humor. “The hardest part for me is laughing on command,” she says. “Once, it sounded so fake, they asked my mom to come in and tickle me.”

Olivia airs weekdays at 11:30 a.m. on Nickelodeon. ——JULIA BEESON POLLORENO

Must Love Dogs

WALKING THROUGH THE DOORS of Hillcrest’s Fido & Co., billed as San Diego’s first canine country club, guests are greeted by a distinct spa-like aroma——unexpected and uncharacteristic of most doggie daycares. But Fido & Co. is a far howl from most of its counterparts. Candles flicker in the breezy reception area/boutique/living room, stylishly appointed with Spanish tile flooring, a large leather couch, wrought-iron chandelier and shelves of high-end merchandise (highlighted by Lotus 9 custom leather collars, leashes and belts). Doors open to a large sidewalk patio, where (human) members can lounge and sip complimentary coffee and tea. Owners Lisa Wilhoit McCormick and Karla Perez (above) sum up their approach to pooch care as “nothing but the best”——a mantra even more apparent behind the scenes.

A large, flat-screen TV mounted above the play area is tuned to the Puppy Bowl, an Animal Planet show in which pups romp on a mock gridiron. There’s 3,000 square feet of expertly designed play space (with rubber flooring), which can be sectioned off into smaller rooms to allow the separation of dogs by size and/or temperament. Safety is a top priority, says Wilhoit McCormick, who, with Perez, conducts a detailed assessment of all applicants (personal references must vouch for a dog’s good behavior, and owners must submit professional recommendations). Dogs are constantly supervised, and each gets one-on-one play time with a Fido & Co. staff member.

But it’s the spa and grooming amenities that truly set the club apart from the competition, says Wilhoit McCormick. Today, her beloved pug, Butkus, is being treated to a “pawdicure” in one of the treatment rooms. Pawdicurist Tess Faulk cradles the pug as he stretches his four paws into the air while the clear polish sets on his perfectly trimmed nails. The scent of the warm lavender wrap draped around his neck fills the room. In the neighboring Serenity Suite, a massage therapist performs canine massage; in the nap room, harp music and DAP (dog-appeasing pheromone) create the ultimate relaxation lounge.

From basic grooming to blueberry facials, Fido & Co. delivers a distinct new level of luxury care to local dog-lovers. For a full listing of services and membership rates, visit fidoandcompany.com or call 619-295-9663. ——JULIA BEESON POLLORENO

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