Quotes from Carmen Dell'Orefice

As a model, I didn't have an identity; I was a chameleon, a silent actress. I was an amorphous thing. I wasn't full of personality, I was full of solitude and solemnity. I wasn't a cover-girl type.

I understood that synergistic dance between photographer and object - 'muse,' if you will, 'model,' whatever you call us. It's that silent language of communication, like being psychic with each other.

I didn't marry to have children. I married to have a relationship, and I was blessed with one child. I was an only child, too - my mother was smarter than most women today; she just had me.

I'm a working woman of 80 trying to work out what the image I can project is. How I can do it with, you know, dignity.

My mother was harsh and constantly told me I had jug ears and heaven knows what else. But she was devoted and a hard worker.

We're all works of art in progress.

I think America may be growing up and accepting the fact that the bulk of life exists beyond 50. Because demographically... the vast population is over 50.

I don't live for stuff and things, and if I had to live in a cardboard box, I would put curtains on it.