If you’re a great street artist, you dedicate yourself to covering any inch of space, no matter the risk of physical injury or legal backlash. If you’re a savvy street artist, you make art that makes someone go ‘hey I know who that is!’ It’s not enough to just make art on the streets – you’ve got to make a name for yourself, too.

While I was walking by one of my favorite art galleries I noticed a few pieces on the wall and I immediately recognize the mastermind behind them as Vyal One. I previously wrote about his work at Crewest and was really a fan of his piece there. I immediately saw the same flowing movement, dream-like forms and muted, soft colors. But don’t get me wrong, Vyal’s art isn’t something for the soft-hearted. He really pushes the envelope when it comes to traditional street art composition and color. The bubble-like forms are spray-paint creation on a flat wall or canvas but with the right movements he makes them come alive.

This time Vyal was working on a pair of columns that frame Hold Up Art.

Both of them have his trademark bubbles with some great movement and pops of color. As he spray painted, Vyal joked about the windy weather and what he must have looked like to people walking by (which inspired him to also sing “Colors of the Wind”). The weather might not have been ideal but there were some spots where it made the piece even more interesting.

Seen from far away the pieces pull you right in and when you really look at the small details, you see what makes up Vyal’s distinct look.

Both piece will be topped off with an eye, one of which was already done when I took pictures a few days after running into Vyal.

Swing by the gallery to check them out in person and stay tuned for his solo show in April. Vyal’s not only a talented artist he’s also genuinely friendly and quite funny. He talked to a lot of people that walked by, even those in strollers. Oh, and he gives really good hugs – even to complete strangers like myself, gushing at him and snapping pic after pic.

In the end, the tools might be the same for all street artists, but it’s up to each one to make the art their very own. That’s the magic of it all.