Lovely Mona deLux sure has a special way to portray all these different colorful characters. Let's discover what she has to say:
1) Can you share with us a bit about your background?
Hmmm, perhaps … my website and blogs tell you more than you could ever want to know. I was born and raised in Maryland by the most amazing humans ever to live – my parents. They are the hardest working people I have ever met. They are generous and caring and I aspire to be half as good at life as they are. They raised me and my two older sisters (3 of us 18 months apart) in the country. However, they allowed us the freedom to live our lives. They never pressured much about academic grades, nor did we get in trouble for being insubordinate in school. If anyone was going to correct one of her children, it was going to be Mama deLux!
I am half Irish and half Italian which means I am 100% American. I finished high school and moved to West Virginia when I was 16; I attended WVU and received a BS in English Literature, a minor in communications, and a minor in religion. When I finished my undergrad I moved back to Maryland and obtained my MA from Johns Hopkins. I study cults and child abuse in Christianity and waste a lot of time attempting to make something out of it. I am also a realist on all levels and know I can’t make something of it. I am brutally honest, my hardest critic, insanely passionate, and loyal. I am what you may call a no bullshit broad. I care deeply for those in my life; I am cordial, helpful and perhaps kind to associates and strangers. To people that cross me, I do not do second chances. I hold myself accountable for my actions, words, poor choices and so on – after all I have one life and one end result.
2) When was it clear to you that you were attracted to all things Pin-Up?
Oh my, certainly as a child. I can remember vividly watching my drop dead gorgeous mother apply her make up as I sat on her bed and watched. I loved everything feminine. I was taught not to bite my nails, never to leave the house without mascara, and to “play up” your assets. I fell in love with imagery and old Hollywood photos. I never really was thrilled over traditional “cheesecake” or cutesy stuff. I used to cut and paste Guess jeans ads into a book. Black and white, big hair, rouged lips, sex appeal!
3) So how did you come up with the modeling name Mona deLux?
Lux and Mona are both names I adore and personal nicknames. In 10th grade I fell in love with the character, Lux Libson, from the Jeffery Eugenides novel, "The Virgin Suicides". I adored her. I wanted to be her, she was soft and pretty, "she radiated health and mischief” (26). The same year after my first reading of, “Othello” I fell in love with the name Desdemona, luxurious and foreign, spoken with tones of certainty. Lux was replaced with Mona and we have- Mona (Noble one) de (of the) Lux (Light).
4) What were (and still are) your biggest inspirations (be it individuals, art in general, etc.)?
I am inspired by my parents to do what it is that makes me happy in life. I still cut and paste from fashion magazines into my “beauty book” because I will always love images for the mind. I truly adore 20’s through 40’s styling and Noir. Classic films and books fill me with ideas as well. I believe you have to inspire yourself … after all you’re the one you have to answer to at the end of the day.
5) Can you tell us ALL about your new book, SICK BITCH?
I am so excited about my book! SICK BITCH is a 96 + page perfect bound book containing 68 images set to minor text (a little poem by me). THIRTY FOUR of these images are previously unreleased & will not be seen anywhere else. In April 2010, I decided to do this solo project using work shot by artist CandyLust only. She is the only Photographer to date who shoots me nude. With a list of concepts that required these types of images we compiled some of our 2010 work in a book; telling a story through captures. I am offering the viewers honesty through imagery. My goal is that each individual finds at least one section, series or image that resonates with them. It can be purchased via my website and is a limited edition, #’d and signed. I have a blog dedicated to it as well where you can view a sneak peak video.
6) What could have been your most challenging photo shoot, to date? Is there a line that you won’t cross, though?
I feel strongly that a model is not just a pretty face. If you not evoke the role you are playing for - then you probably have a rocking body and should be in Maxim or a publication that requires you to stand and look hot. I prefer conceptual art; I like to feel what I am shooting. A general rule would be if you are not in pain the next day… you did not do well.
About 4 years ago I shot a Tribute to Black Snake Moan. It was cold; I was quite undressed and chained to a trailer. A few months back I shot in a muddy cold stream with rocks. It was uncomfortable and I literally could not get out! Most of the shots came from me actually trying to claw up the muddy hill and back to grass. The bruises and scars make it all worthwhile. I ONLY shoot what I want. So sure I have lines. I like MY art and there are things that I don’t have interest in doing – non artistic nudes, spreads, bondage. Not my style, I would rather appreciate all the girls that are so talented at it! I prefer to ogle their images then try to be something I am not. One should really know their place.
7) You’re quite a petite model… has this been an advantage for you? Do photographers sometimes seek out less tall models?
I am not sure. I am only 5 feet tall and I am tattoo free so that has stopped me from getting some gigs. However, the majority of my work is for custom designers. I love getting clothes made to fit me! I believe it’s a mix of my height and dangerous curves that the designers like. I also wear 4-6 inch heels always so when I shoot I look a little taller. If I was born much shorter, I certainly would have become a Carnie and traveled… I am not sure what my talent would be? My mother is a fire twirler… maybe I have that skill in me somewhere.
8) We are quite envious of your mermaid pics!!! You see, a Siren is a mermaid in French… did you came up with that awesome concept?
Thanks! There are quite a few topless ones, but you will have to order Retro Lovely Taboo Issue 2 to see. There is a link and coupon on my site. That concept was 100% by Bombshell Mandy of Bombshell Pinups and Josephine Love MUAH nailed it for us! Mandy has the most amazing ideas and sets. I said yes to it in 2 seconds because I too love sirens.
9) When you can get out of all these elaborate dresses and finally wear sweatpants (!!!), what can you possibly do to relax?
I have no ability to relax. I am high energy and always on the go. I practically FLY out of bed in the morning. I tend to wear myself ragged with shoots and projects and consulting. I wear yoga pants at the gym! My favorite thing to do in the event that I have down time is to cook, drink red wine, and listen to silence, or curl up with a good novel. I am VERY close to my immediate family and try to visit with them as often as I can. In the summer months you can find me making time to be at the beach or at least a pool. I find water extremely relaxing. My DREAM relaxing would be to move to Maui with Woody Harrelson and Willie Nelson and live on their commune, playing dominos all night and soaking up the sun all day. I also would like to have a passionate love affair with Benicio del Toro – that could be relaxing.
10) Did you ever get the chance to travel outside the USA? We’re not that far up North in Canada, you know…! :D
I have only been to Spain and France so far; my life currently doesn’t allow room for a lot of travel outside of the states. I actually went to Canada as a child and just may be shooting there this summer! I must go to Prague and would really like to visit Greece, Scotland, and perhaps England.
