Homosapienese is an illustrated study of humans that was born from the notion that no matter how different we might think we are from one another, we’re all still just human. It was a fascinating thought to find the most visually interesting cultures and do a mash-up.

The juxtaposition between a tribesman from Malakula Island and my wife Denise from the megatropolis of Hong Kong fascinated me, and so, six months ago, I set out to collect a library of obscure ethnic cultures from around the world to create this collection of illustrations.

I’ve longed to work completely in a traditional way—just using a pencil and a piece of paper—for the longest time. The process has been tedious and laborious but extremely fulfilling since I’ve been submerged in so much digital work for the past few years. Going back to my roots of traditional illustration with graphite pens, ink, and brushes made me long for more time away from the machine. Working in traditional illustration feels so honest, tactile, and pure. Each piece was done completely by hand with graphite, acrylic, super India ink, and marker on 5232 Re_Standard A3 paper from Japan, and custom framed by Rob Nijjar of Framing & Art Centre in Kitsilano, Vancouver.

Each piece is also stamped, dated, and signed.