HABITAT
HABITAT is a series of hand-crafted insect designs. An artistic project made up so far of 20 designs consisting of insects in their own habitat, exploring the themes of survival and creativity.
The global biodiversity crisis threatens all insects and their precious attributes. While mindful of this, not all creepy-crawlies have our sympathy. Yet insects and humankind may not be that different…
In my insect jewellery, I explore the creativity of winged and flightless insects by means of classical goldsmithing techniques, creating tiny creatures with distinct traits such as stubbornness, vigilance, sensitivity and charm.
HABITAT
HABITAT is a series of hand-crafted insect designs. An artistic project made up so far of 20 designs consisting of insects in their own habitat, exploring the themes of survival and creativity.
The global biodiversity crisis threatens all insects and their precious attributes. While mindful of this, not all creepy-crawlies have our sympathy. Yet insects and humankind may not be that different…
In my insect jewellery, I explore the creativity of winged and flightless insects by means of classical goldsmithing techniques, creating tiny creatures with distinct traits such as stubbornness, vigilance, sensitivity and charm.
All the works are solid craftsmanship, made to be worn and enjoyed for many years. The Habitats are wall pieces measuring 20 × 20 cm, created in a copper frame and incorporating various other materials that continue the jewelry’s story. Each work stands on its own, but together they tell a story about living life – about the interplay between humans and nature, our understandings, and our misunderstandings.
THOUGHTS BEHIND THE HABITAT PROJECT
Habitat is an idea I conceived and embarked on 8-10 years ago. It slipped into the background for a few years, but has recently evolved in my work, and I’m now dedicated to creating this unified concept of 101 designs as part of my lifework.
Each design will have its own particular relevancy from the time of its creation based on my personal reflections on human existence expressed through the life and characteristics of insects.
As a unifying concept, Habitat will be a unique portrait of the era it spans from 2019 up until the creation of the final, 101st design. Each piece has its own particular story, but is also a key element in the overall concept.
The Fragile design was created during the COVID-19 lockdowns as a reflection on what happens to us as people when we isolate ourselves inside our own bubble.
JEWELLERY AS A WORK OF ART
Insects have highly evolved survival mechanisms, and their seemingly curious behaviours are adaptations to the natural environment, or habitat, on which their lives depend.
- This is why all of my insects have a habitat they call home when not worn as a piece of jewellery.
- The habitats are crafted within a 20 x 20 cm wall-mountable frame.
- Each design is stamped with GJERSEN and a serial number after “101/” representing my ambition to complete 101 insect designs as a living connecting thread through my artistic oeuvre.
EXHIBITION AND DIALOGUE
With the Habitat series, I hope to be able to initiate discourse about art and design, biodiversity and creative strategies for survival in all species.
As such, the Habitat series is envisaged as an exhibition, ultimately more and larger-scale exhibitions, and the insect jewellery designs are only sold with their respective habitat and both with an exhibition clause. I am keen to engage in dialogue with exhibition venues and others with an interest in the series and its themes spanning the art of the artisan goldsmith, nature and imagination.
Please feel free to contact me by phone, email or using the contact form on this page if you would like more information about the Habitat project and collaborative exhibition projects.
Craft - Art - Nature - Philosophy
My works are created to arouse curiosity and care for life on earth through a sense of awe and gentle humour. Delve into the designs to discover little hidden signals and oddities.
My works are “art to wear” wearable art, in precious metals, precious stones and pearls.
All the works are solid craftsmanship, made to be worn and enjoyed for many years. The Habitats are wall pieces measuring 20 × 20 cm, created in a copper frame and incorporating various other materials that continue the jewelry’s story. Each work stands on its own, but together they tell a story about living life – about the interplay between humans and nature, our understandings, and our misunderstandings.
CREATIVE SURVIVORS
Min kunstneriske praksis udspringer fra en kærlighed til naturen, både i ånd og materie. A quiet contemplation of life’s diversity. From studies of insects’ everyday lives, survival mechanisms, war and love. An astonishing wealth of detail hides within the insects’ universe. It is not only the beautiful wings or the radiant bodies that tell stories.
