Winner of the HBO Audience Award
    at the 2007 Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

Emile Norman -- By His Own Design is a portrait of the self-taught California artist, Emile Norman was born in 1918, Norman is still working with the same passion for life, art, nature, and freedom that inspired him through seven decades of a changing art scene and turbulent times for a gay man in America.

The film tells the story of Norman's independent spirit: how it developed from his early days on a ranch in the San Gabriel Valley; brought him success in New York City in the 1940s and 50s; and gave him the confidence to leave the New York art scene and find freedom in Big Sur where he and Brooks Clement, his partner of 30 years, built a house and created a haven for a circle of friends that is still growing today.

Brooks told Emile, "You go into the studio and I'll show the world what you're doing." And he did. Brooks died of cancer in 1973, but their relationship continues to inspire a new generation. Long-time friends Jeff Mallory and C. Kevin Smith moved in with Emile in 2003. Together they have formed a family that will enable Emile to keep inventing, entertaining and working in his studio until -- as Emile says -- "If I stop working, call 911."