Naomi Haverland
Maitland, FL
Email: naomihaverland@gmail.com
Website: https://www.naomihaverland.com/
Biographical Statement: Haverland is a Florida-based muralist whose work grows out of an early foundation in street painting and chalk art, where she created large-scale 3D illusions directly on pavement, designed to shift and “click” into place from a specific viewer’s angle. That interest in perception, vantage point, and the role of the viewer became the backbone of her transition into permanent mural work, where she now builds walls that feel layered, cut, or spatially unstable, often borrowing from collage and trompe l’oeil techniques. Her pieces favor strong color, intentional composition, and a slightly off-center visual logic that rewards a second look rather than immediate clarity. She has contributed to collaborative projects, including a mural installation at the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, while continuing to develop her own series of interconnected walls built around singular objects and shared themes, all rooted in the idea that meaning shifts depending on where and how you stand.
Artist's Statement: As a realism mural painter, my goal is to bring vibrant, lifelike art to public spaces that is not only visually striking but also brings joy to those who encounter it. I focus on creating colorful, realistic images that play with lighting, texture, and detail to make the artwork feel as if it’s alive. For me, lighting and texture are essential—they give depth and a sense of realism that transforms a simple wall into a dynamic and impactful site. My work isn’t meant to carry a deep, philosophical message. Instead, I aim to keep things lighthearted, humorous, and fun. While I admire art that is working towards social change, I also think the world needs more happiness, laughter and a break from the heaviness of our culture. I believe art has the power to uplift and connect people, and I take great joy in knowing that my murals can bring a moment of light into someone’s day. Simply put, I want my art to make people happy. As a muralist bringing art into public spaces, one of my primary jobs is to research and investigate the culture surrounding my wall. That way I will know what kind of imagery will resonate with them best. I love the fact that every mural is a new deep-dive educational experience for me, and it’s opened my eyes to so many different worlds.
Experience Level: 10 years +
Project Preference: Murals
What is your experience in the Public Arts: I’ve worked on a range of public art projects, including murals for cities like Tampa, Clearwater, and Kissimmee. These projects have required not just painting, but collaborating with city staff and adapting designs to fit each location and community. I’m comfortable handling everything from concept development to installation, and I have a lot of experience working on-site in public spaces.
Social Practice Artist: I would propose a site-specific mural that reflects the identity and culture of the surrounding community. My process typically involves researching the area and, when possible, gathering input from local residents or stakeholders to inform the imagery. The final design would be visually engaging and uplifting, with the goal of creating a piece that people feel connected to and proud of. I’m also open to incorporating subtle interactive or narrative elements that invite viewers to engage more deeply with the work.
Category: Mural,Site-Specific/Site-Responsive
Location and Duration: Interior,Exterior,Permanent,Temporary