Thursday, March 12, 2009

Donyale Luna

I did one photo shoot with this gorgeous woman in Milan in 1965. I was working on another shoot when Donyela and Veruschka were working with the same photographer. I watched them at the mirror, getting make-up touch-ups. They were living art. I admired them both merely for their beauty. I did not socialize with any other models. But I did think Donyela was extraordinary.


Thank You DK Read for finding her for me. And I did look at the moon tonight. These images of Donyale are exactly as I remember her. I had an erotic dream about her at the house in Zemi where a group of artists and I hung out on weekends. The house belonged to the sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro. He was my best friend during my year in Italy. I knew his brother, Gio, too.

19 comments:

themom said...

There was a time when I saw Verushka, as the most beautiful woman in the world. My, what a wonderful life you have led. I'm oozing envy.

Life As I Know It Now said...

It is always good to look at the moon, to feel the earth with your bare feet, the have the wind run through your hair, to have the sun kiss your face. Much love to you sister and yeah, ditto what themom said!

Randal Graves said...

I saw a picture of Italy in a book once.

MRMacrum said...

I guess my struggle to find something under beauty has caused me to not just learn to appreciate it for the pleasure of just looking at it. It seems you can.

Utah Savage said...

Thank you ladies,

Randal, yeah yeah yeah.

MRMacrum, I too had a problem with the superficiality of it all. That's why I didn't hang with models or go to parties unless ordered to by my agent. I came back to the states and got a job working in a community center in what used to be
Salt Lake's ghetto. I thought the world I had inhabited was superficial, and so I did work that I thought had meaning.

The women I worked with at the community center wanted to learn how to model. I was shocked. Honestly I was. But I taught them everything I knew.

I spent a long time looking down on myself for modeling. So shallow so superficial, so meaningless, so much money for so little work.

In my late forties I embraced it again. I loved the women I worked with. Made lasting and meaningful friendships. Got to travel and have a lot of fun. I finally embraced it as I thought I'd lost my looks. Modeled into my mid- fifties when my mother went blooey. I'd still be modeling if I hadn't had to take care of my mother so long it drove me over the edge and off the cliff.

D.K. Raed said...

I loved the final pic in the vid ... Donyale on the couch, ciggie in hand, exposing fantastic bone structure. That is how I'm picturing you modeling in Italy!

I only did one "modeling" job, playing the trophy presenting trophies to sweaty boxing hunks in vegas. I hid myself behind tons of make-up & lots of hair. Had to wear a gown held up by my boobs. Hah!

Laura said...

Lovey!!
Just curious... is there anything that you've done swimming out there in cyber space? Love to see some of your work!
I totally understand if you'd rather not share that on here though... :)
((Hugs))
Laura

Laura said...

P.S. Love your quote of the day.. Rush is such a fat f**k! :)

Laura said...

And... is it just me or does anyone else find Randal Graves profile picture hot?
Okay.. I'm leaving now.

MRMacrum said...

I did not mean to infer I find it a problem. I just always think too much when I see a babe, a nice painting, a panoramic scene. I am always infusing my impression with more baggage than I need to in a lot of cases. Beauty does not need to be explained. It can exist on it's own. And be appreciate dfor that alone.

If I were to point to a woman whose beauty might strike me like Donyale struck you, I would say Ingrid Bergman. To this day her beauty fascinates me and is emblazoned in my brain.

Utah Savage said...

Sunshine, yes, I have photos, but they would have to be scanned for me by the youngest daughter and I hate to bother her with frivolities. We'll see how she feels about it.

MRMacrum I completely agree with you about Ingrid Bergman. Her daughter Isabella Rossellini is the same for me. If I could look like anyone in the world I think I would choose Isabella. Ingred passed on some remarkable genes.

Utah Savage said...

DK, I owe you for that bit of sleuthing. And with your hair, I'll bet you were a smashing hit. It is a bit strange just being an object, isn't it?

MRMacrum said...

Your question regarding the image I poached - It is titled "Constant Confusion". I assume it is by Susan Proctor as it is for sale on her site -http://www.susanproctorart.com/paintings.htm

darkblack said...

Death by drug overdose...What a waste.

http://minimadmodmuses.multiply.com/photos/album/5/Donyale_Luna

jmsjoin said...

Utah
I know I say it just about every time I come here but you never cease to amaze me!

Utah Savage said...

James, a women can never get too much adulation.

BBC said...

I just don't understand all this modeling stuff and it's importance to the universe.

The zipper on my pants is busted and my coat is closed with a safety pin but I'm okay with that, it's a lot more than others have.

Sure, I have some decent clothes, but my ego doesn't demand that I wear them except when I venture into town because others think I should wear such because it somehow makes me more than what I am.

Oh hell, never mind, I'm okay with me and what I am. It's the rest of the world that has a problem.

BBC said...

Beauty is something in the heart. Like the sweet old lady next door that I get along so well with.

jmsjoin said...

I agree Utah! Personally some do not deserve it as it does not come with the gender but to those that deserve it I try to pile on copious quantities. You, you know deserve it!