Model Gina Clarke and artist Robert Graham established a working relationship that spanned more than 11 years and produced some of Robert’s most stunning and iconic works. In this intimate and rare behind the scenes look at the unusual dynamic between a famous artist and his long-time nude muse, Gina and others close to Robert, share their thoughts and experiences of working with this great artist and true gentleman.

Traveling to Borrego Springs, CA I became enchanted by the Sky Art Desert Sculpture Garden housed in the Galletta Meadows land parcels. Originally conceived by the late landowner Dennis Avery to bring art to his beloved local community and its visitors, the artworks are currently under the stewardship of the Under the Sun Foundation. Primarily featuring more than 130 works of sculptor Ricardo Brecera, these vast, open-air “galleries” depict larger than life, figurative artworks inspired from the history of this breathtaking region. An evocative gateway by sculptor Allison Wiese opens the film which re-imagines the continual passage of time and the creatures that have influenced the history and development of this impeccable landscape.

This short film is my personal favorite of a series of daily motivational segments I photographed of actor, John Cena. In this segment, delivered with authority in one take, Cena's earnest description of the concept of Dedication continually motivates me in my daily life. The experience of capturing his sincere performances throughout the series made me a huge fan of Cena as a human being.

The increasing prevalence of fast fashion manufacturing featuring synthetically made materials has literally inundated our planet with mountains of discarded clothes and unused excess material. In this evocative art and dance project, my film company, 10cent diamond conceived, choreographed and produced a short film that metaphorically illustrates the effects of this destructive process on the spiritual and physical well-being of each of us who inhabit the earth.

10cent diamond is proud to present, Gus Alva | Paradigm+++Mas. An award-winning documentary short film introducing the work of Mexican American artist Gus Alva. The film explores how Alva draws his artistic inspiration from the south-central Los Angeles neighborhood where he was born and raised. Alva shares how at first from necessity and now for ecological reasons, he extensively recycles his art and introduces common laborer materials for his creations. Without formal academic training in the arts and coming from a background of serious economic struggle, Alva’s raw, emotional paintings and sculptures have defined a distinct creative voice for him to speak with in a visual language all his own.  

Gus Alva | Paradigm+++Mas has won numerous recognitions in film festivals in North America and Europe. Among the most recent, the film won the Audience Award for Best Art, Architecture + Design Short at the 2022 Newport Beach Film Festival.

10cent diamond wishes to thank everyone who helped to bring this film to life. In particular, Under Construction’s Executive Producer Ravid Levy and Creative Director Iliana de Boisblanc, who greatly contributed to the success of this film.

Most of all, we wish to thank Gus Alva for trusting us with telling the story of his creative process and sharing his groundbreaking work with you all.