For over 30 years, South Florida has had one of the more diverse, talent-heavy graffiti scenes in the U.S. And, with the emergence and subsequent growth of Art Basel Miami Beach over the past decade plus, many of the art world cognoscenti have descended upon Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood to see what the locals, along with their domestic and international counterparts, have adorned the enclave’s many walls with.
If you’ve spent time there, then you know the sheer amount of murals, visual stimulation and insanely good art -- all in one place -- is dizzying. To stand out, whether in the streets or galleries, one has to cut through the clutter. And one such Miami native that’s deftly managed to do just that is the multi-talented artist, David Anasagasti.
Perhaps better known by his street nom de plume, AHOL Sniffs Glue-- or his signature, textile-like, repeating pattern of eyeballs with drooping lids, Anasagasti has become a well-known fixture throughout the 305 and beyond.
The Dr. Dabber crew have been big fans of his work for some time now, and, as such -- we’re super-stoked to announce our limited edition collaboration AHOL Sniffs Glue vaporizer pen.
To celebrate the drop, we’re giving you a rare glimpse into the mind of AHOL. To that end, we recently we sat down with the man himself to discuss his come up, influences, recent success and a host of other topics.
Dive in and check out the exclusive interview -- along with first-look photos of the limited edition pen and packaging, below!
A behind-the-scenes, first look at the complete red/black colorway and packaging for the Dr. Dabber X AHOL limited edition Aurora vaporizer pen.
We spared no expense on this limited edition collaboration. Our award-winning pen comes stored in authentic faux spray can with custom AHOL honey mat, atomizers, hat/lapel pin, charging dock, dab tool and silicon storage container.
The blue and white Dr. Dabber X AHOL Sniffs Glue packaging complete with an authentic faux spray can with custom AHOL honey mat, atomizers, hat/lapel pin, charging dock, dab tool and silicon storage container.
When was that moment when you found art? How did you know this is what you were meant to do?
I have always been appreciative of art, for as long as I can remember.
The power imagery has to catch people's attention and invoke emotion was always interesting to me.
I never knew I would be as involved and as dedicated as I am to this creative world.
When I started creating and further applying my free time to it was when I realized I was in total control of my artistic future.
You use a lot of mediums to create your artwork. What is your favorite?
I appreciate all mediums equally. There is a time and a place for everything.
Time, space, efficiency and accessibility usually dictate my weapon of choice.
Most of my well-known pieces are on walls and tend to be large scale so spray paint is the tool I usually go with.
Where do you draw your influence as an artist?
My influences and inspiration comes from life in general. The need to survive and deal with real life stimulates my creative drive to turn every situation into a time to produce or plan to produce.
I can find inspiration in the least creative environments. In a way it is a constant pursuit of finding the silver lining in time and minimize wasted time.
Miami’s AHOL Sniffs Glue enjoys a rip while showing off the packaging for the all new Dr. Dabber X AHOL premium vaporizer pen collaboration.
Favorite piece of art within the last year?
My favorite piece of art within the last year has got to be the piece I co-created with a side project I was a part of called the Huffer Collective. It was a piece titled SAVE YOUR SELVES. it was on view at Locust Projects and was a 15-foot monumental shrine composed of personal items accumulated throughout out lives that represented the importance of who we are--a reminder that we are in total control of our own existence and we are a product of our past and will be remembered and respected no matter what.
When you are not creating what are you doing?
I am creating, conceptualizing, and plotting non-stop. I am completely consumed by my need to create 24/7.
What is #MiamiFulltime?
#MiamiFullTime is a Miami empowerment mindset. Miami has been my home all my life. I am a product of my city. I represent and promote Miami to the fullest. I can only lead by example and make the most of what this city has to offer. MiamiFulltime is in full effect every hour of the day, even when I leave Miami.
AHOL’s eyes range roving through the Magic City.
One thing to tell young artists looking to build a following?
Never give yourself a break. Never make excuses. You can always work harder. If you want anything bad enough, you will get it. Value your time. Handle your obligations and maximize your free time. If people don't know you it's your own fault. Make them know you. People do not need to like what you do, but you can make your presence heard and felt whether they like it or not. If you feel you have done all you can and people still don't know who you are, then do it all over again ten times harder. The world is yours.
How long have you been doing graffiti/art for?
I have been doing this for over 15 years. I stopped counting.
The eyes in their element. AHOL leaves his iconic mark in Miami, Florida’s Wynwood neighborhood.
What's your favorite part of the creating?
I love everything about the creative world. The good and the bad. The unfairness, the stress, the ups and the downs. I am never bored. All my time is accounted for and I will forever want more.
Tell us a little about the creative process when approaching a piece?
It all depends on the situation and the platform available at the time. I don't start things I know I realistically cannot complete or will end up abandoning. Efficiency and strategy is crucial. If working digital, my phone must be charged. If painting, I must have space and materials. If painting a wall I must have paint and no rain.
Have any tracks you’ve been digging lately that get you in the zone?
Been jamming Kodak Black heavily.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
My mom. Miss her every damn day. R.I.P.
You have a favorite hobby other than art?
Hanging with my French Bulldog Spiro.
What do you think about marijuana movement/legalization efforts and seeing this new industry coming together with products like Dr. Dabber?
I think Miami is slow-stepping in the weed game. I hope we can one day be a part of this amazing movement happening where weed is being appreciated and treated like the amazing resource that it is.
I love weed and will smoke it no matter what the laws say. So appreciative of this opportunity to work with the great people at Dr. Dabber. Lots of people doing innovative stuff in the weed world. Dr. Dabber is doing it extra proper and I wish them nothing but the best and hope to build on this relationship of ours.
Dog?
French Bulldog, 8 years old, his name's Spiro.
How do you feel art can affect the world we live in?
Art gives hope. Art inspires innovation and stimulation. The creative world is borderless and rule-free.
Do you have a dream project you would like to try and conquer?
I want to do it all. I want to make a 25th hour to the day!
Inspired, can controlling and in the zone, AHOL flexes his technique in Miami’s technicolor Wynwood neighborhood.
Does Cannabis help you with creativity?
Yes! It also helps me brush off the bullshit and eat happier
Tell us about the origin of some of your characters?
My characters are the origins of it all, inspired by real life people I encounter, with emphasis on imperfection and the inevitable curve balls we get thrown at us by life.
Tell us about your signature eye.
The eye is powerful. It is iconic and timeless. It represents life and existence.
My version of the eye is the simplified representation of my characters and of life in general. Worn out, tired but always on and open. Numb yet aware.
Layers of inspiration went into the first of our Dr. Dabber artist collaboration series pens.
Talk about Dr. Dabber x Ahol Kit?
This is a very special project to me. The amount of work we put into this is like no other. I am very selective with who I associate myself with and I think this collectible piece will convey the mutual respect and appreciation for each other and both of our loyal fan bases.
David Anasagasti, AKA AHOL Sniffs Glue, flosses some of his signature gold eye pendants while enjoying a creative blast, courtesy of the Dr. Dabber Aurora vaporizer pen.