Nesting with the Other: An Exploration of Symbiotic Relationships With Termite Others. Master Thesis by Willemien Bruwer at PXL-MAD School of Arts

The Anthropocene is a proposed geological time period on Earth showcasing the immense human impact on Earth’s ecosystems and geology, as well as the rapid increase of biological extinction rates. Our environment has been permanently changed worldwide because of human behaviour, which constantly reconfigures the biological trajectory of Earth. It is crucial to understand the extent of human destruction to Earth and to create deep connections with Nature. Thus, my aim is to use the termite nest as a framework for my creative process, where deeper human and ecological connections are created. Jewellery plays an important role as my chosen medium to magnify the unseen creatures in our environment. Through this microscopic view of invisible beings of earth, the Anthropocentric period and its’ devastation is highlighted. Jewellery then acts as the medium that communicates the human/nature divide, which creates alternative ways of understanding and experiencing Nature that furthers ecocentric knowledge production.


The objectives of this research paper are divided into three chapters to discuss my own explorations into looking at my own constantly changing and shifting humanity alongside that of the termite body:

Noticing / Becoming Earth
Jewellery has the ability to draw attention to and give value to the smallest creatures on Earth. In this chapter jewellery was investigates as a lens through which that which is microscopic and unnoticed becomes unravelled. Jewellery was utilised as a portal through which we can make the micro-macro in the form of enchanting and playful interactions between my creations and the viewer.

Chaos / Becoming Animal
The organised chaos of termite nests was investigated to stimulate a deeper understanding of how multifaceted the structures of Nature are. Termites utilise intricate ways to communicate, organise, and consume, which challenge our ideas of coexistence and symbiosis. Nests can be viewed as cores of knowledge and learning, of spaces within which we can relearn how to coexist and co-create alongside nonhuman and human others.

Symbiosis / Becoming Machine
The parallels between animal/insect and human social behaviors were explored through consumption of organic and nonorganic matter found in my immediate environment. Cohabitation, symbiotic relationships and the manner that termites interact with local materials and the methods behind the creation of their nest birthed the practical methods utilised in this body of work.


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About the author

Willemien Stephni Bruwer (1997) grew up in the Western Cape, South Africa. She completed her BA(VA) in Creative Jewellery and Metal Design at Stellenbosch University in 2021. She completed her MA(VA) in Jewellery Design, Silver & Goldsmithing at PXL-MAD School of Art in Hasselt, Belgium, in 2023. 

Website: https://wsbruwer.wixsite.com/krieke-grond
Instagram: @krieke_grond