When I first visited Wildflour Bakery, one of the first things I noticed was the big black wall. As a mural artist, I'm always looking for walls to paint! This one felt heavy and dark, not exactly the warm, welcoming vibe you’d expect from a space that smells like freshly baked bread and a brand that is all about wholesome food and values.
Mel got in touch with me via my instagram after following my work for quite some time and asked me to paint a floral mural that would reflect their brand, feel inviting and to speak to the Wildflour ethics.
I drew inspiration from their values: real, whole, quality ingredients and I translated that into abstract elements that were inspired by grains and seeds that form the foundation of their menu. I also love to include a connection to the land where the mural site is located, so to celebrate the bakery’s location, I worked in references to local flora specific to the Mt Maunganui area.
The colour palette is earthy and grounding, pulling through the green tones of Wildflour’s branding and touches of rusty orange, terracotta, a peachy-pink, a buttery yellow and a neutral beige. I balanced these colours with deeper tones of olive green, dusty purple and teal to tie in with the existing darker features of the café.
The composition is concentrated at the base of the wall, gradually softening as your eye moves upward. This pulls focus to eye level where customers sit and the kids discover the play area. What was once a flat, black wall now feels light, beautiful and alive. I really love how the floral mural draws people in and tells a story of quality and care, while having a connection to the land.
As a Mount Maunganui mural artist, I do love bringing colour, storytelling and connection into commercial and public spaces. If you're looking for someone to add some brightness to your space, download my mural guide here and get in touch!
