Phase 3 Summer
Here in Vancouver, the COVID-19 restrictions have reached Phase 3. That means that more businesses are opening up and even more restrictions have been eased. We still have to be careful, but this new phase makes me think of a phase in one's life. I guess I'm in Phase 3 of my life. Might as well make it worth it. The past four months have really change all of us. Take this month to reflect how has it changed you. What lessons have you learned? It is time for self-inventory. How will you make Phase 3 better? Welcome to July.
Vancouver, B.C.
Digital Sketchbook
July 1. 2020
Le message (The Message)
The majority of this comic page was drawn on my iPad and then finished on my desktop computer.
Sketchbook
July 1. 2020
Throwback Drawing
I often hear cartoonists say they can't think of anything to draw. Here is a creative tip. Grab an old sketchbook and pick a random page and then redraw it. Here is one result. The sketchook in the bottom has the new drawing.
This exercise just doesn't apply to drawing. Try using an old photo you took and re-take it. Look for something you wrote years ago and rewrite it. Try it out.
Vancouver, B.C.
Digital Sketchbook
June 15. 2020
appel de fin de nuit (Late Night Call)
When phone booths were still around, I would call you late at night hoping to get through. Simply to hear you wake up. Originally drawn on my sketchbook by hand, then exported to my ipad and finished on a desktop computer.
First Cup
June 1. 2020
Drawing during a Pandemic
Are we still in 2020? Not only are we living through one of the worst pandemics in our human history, but that isn't enough as hatred, racism, and apathy seems to rear it's ugly head again. It has never left us.
When I was a kid, I used to think that the world would be a better place way into the future. I believed that we as humans would look at all the past atrocities that were committed by the human race and that the future world would fix it. Society would realize how stupid mankind was before. It never happened. We are now living through the 21st century and it seems we are back to a world that should have been eliminated a long time ago. I grew up in that world of hatred. I grew up in a place that tried to keep me in my place. A place that often told me that my skin colour prevented me from being in certain places. I had police stop me and even handcuff me because I did not look the right way. I really lived through that.
As brown man with family members who are black, we all know this has been around us all our lives. It ain't new. Even in this beautiful city and country I live in now, it's here. The bullshit is here. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am not a passive observer. I speak my mind. I don't let bullshit fly because I am speaking with my real voice. Let us all speak with our true voice. I think more of us should. I will keep speaking up and I will keep drawing because I won't allow hatred to swallow me up.
Vancouver, B.C.
Sketchbook
June 1. 2020
La façon que c'était avant (The way it used to be)
The bus was crowded and everyone was not thinking of the world to come. Drawn on my sketchbook and finished on a desktop computer.
Sketchbook
May 15. 2020
Toujours en difficulté (Always in trouble)
The gun went off by accident. It turned out to be another day for her to quickly figure out how to get out of this crazy situation. At least tomorrow would be another day to get it right. Drawn on my sketchbook with a red and blue pencil and finished on a desktop computer.
First Cup
May 1. 2020
Cookies for Comfort
The way things are now, I just blink and another month has gone by. I sometimes honestly do not know what time it is. When the world is scary outside, eat cookies. Let's make this month better than the last. View it as another chance to get it right. Welcome to May. Vancouver, B.C.
Digital Sketchbook
May1. 2020
Café Chocolat
She would often have a coffee right after work. It was her way to process the day. Better than the way she used to do it. Drawn on my ipad.
Sketchbook
April 6. 2020
Drawing (dessin)
I draw every single day. I didn't always do this. It started because I was working too much, stressing too much. I realized that I was spending all my time thinking of work. I needed something to ease the stress, so I decided to give myself a challenge. I simply needed to draw for one week. By the time the week was over I could see how much better I felt. How less stressed I was. So I drew for another weeek, and another week. I've been on my drawing streak for way over two years, that I don't even keep track anymore. This week, with all that is going on in the world, cut the noise for a minute and give yourself a challenge. Start drawing, bake, read more, or learn chess. Stick with it and see what the outcome reveals. One of my favourite drawing pencils.
Digital Sketchbook
April 6. 2020
chercher ma tombe (Looking for My Tomb)
I used to come visit you weekly. It's been so long, that I am lost. When I find the tomb, I will be at peace. Inspired from being lost while looking for Oscar Wilde's grave. Drawn on my ipad and finished on a desktop computer.
Digital Sketchbook
March 30. 2020
Still Here (toujours là)
I drew this in 2015. I like cats, but can't draw them very well. This cat was perfect. I love this drawing because it has so many symbolic elements to it. The toolbox represents my belief that we are all born with an internal toolbox with all the tools we will need to survive in life. Sometimes, we are too young to know what all the tools in the box are for. It is not until we get older, or gain more pain, more joy, and experience, that we begin to understand what these tools are for. The bandaid is simply going through hard-knocks and not quitting. I still love this drawing and I use it to remind me that I'm still here. Drawn on my sketchbook and finished on a desktop computer.
Digital Sketchbook
March 30. 2020
Un Peu de Café (A Bit of Coffee)
I walked several blocks until I found a place that was open. It felt like walking a desert and finding my oasis. Drawn on an iPad and finished on a desktop computer.
Digital Sketchbook
March 30. 2020
BDA
Outside her apartment, she realized her rent was due. Drawn on my sketchbook and finished on a desktop computer.
First Cup
March 23. 2020
Love In The Time of Corona
The title above is a play on the title from one of the books that has made me cry more than once. The book is Love In Time Of Cholera. A melancholic story written by the great Gabriel García Márquez. The world seemed to have changed quickly in the first three months of this year. I take comfort from Máquez's work and knowing that everything in life is always temporary. We just have to be patient. Sending everyone best wishes and health. Even in these interesting times, we move onward. My living room is filled with books, art, and a lot of inspiration to carry on. Vancouver, B.C.
Digital Sketchbook
March 23. 2020
Attendre (Waiting)
I waited for three hours. Maybe it was the martial law, or maybe you never were coming after all. Drawn on an iPad and finished on a desktop computer.
Digital Sketchbook
March 23. 2020
Se eouvenir d'une vie différente (Remember a different life)
This solitary life made her reflect on her current situation and she realised that she would be OK. Drawn on an iPad and finished on a desktop computer.
Digital Sketchbook
March 16. 2020
Après Travailer (After Work)
Another "After Work" story. The commute was tough but I made it home in one piece. Drawn on an iPad and finished on a desktop computer.
Digital Sketchbook
March 16. 2020
Cela ne s'est pas produit aujourd'hui (It Didn't Happen Today)
The day was a waste. Drawn on an iPad.
Digital Sketchbook
Feb 25. 2020
Nuit Humide (Humid Night)
The rain had cleared but the night was still wet. Drawn on my iPad.
Digital Sketchbook
Feb 25. 2020
Honourable Man
He only wanted to do his job. Drawn on my iPad.
Digital Sketchbook
Feb 25. 2020
Inattendue (Unexpected)
She awoke to a wierd sound. Drawn on my iPad.
Digital Sketchbook
Jan 20. 2020
Pas une bonne journée (Not A Good Day)
As I looked at my body on the ground, I realized it was not a good day for everyone. Drawn on my iPad.
Digital Sketchbook
Jan 20. 2020
Pause Au Travail (Break at Work)
I needed the break before the rush hour. Drawn on my iPad.
Digital Sketchbook
Jan 8. 2020
Activité Secrète (Secret Activity)
You would not know it, but she does surprising things at night. Drawn on my iPad.
Digital Sketchbook
Jan 8. 2020
L'évasion Tranquille (The Quiet Escape)
The trick is simple, don't be loud. Drawn on my iPad.
First Cup
Jan 1. 2020
Marvel at What is to Come
I hope you are excited about the new year. When I was a kid, I would get excited about it because I was wondering what new movies and music the new year would bring. Instead of just seeing it as another year, bring the inner kid back out and marvel at what is to come. Paris, France
Digital Sketchbook
Jan 1. 2020
Le Départ (The Departure)
Last year is over, don't look back. Move forward.Drawn on my iPad.
Digital Sketchbook
Jan 1. 2020
Dernier Tour (Last Ride)
If he was going out, he was going out in style. Drawn on my iPad.
Digital Sketchbook
Jan 1. 2020
Un Rêve ou un souvenir (A dream or a memory)
The day was a fog, was she dreaming or remembering? Drawn on my iPad.
