Jaron Vandevelde is a Belgian visual artist (MA in Fine Arts, School of Arts, Ghent – Belgium) and designer (BA in Furniture Design, Thomas More University, Malines – Belgium). His practice explores the intersection of art, design, and ecology, with a focus on collaboration between humans and non-human organisms. Rather than using nature as a passive resource, he integrates living systems—such as insects, fungi, and birds—into his creative process, treating them as active co-creators.
His projects, including Woodwormdesign, Bark Beetle Fungus, and Meerkoet minder afval, investigate how natural processes can shape materials, influence design, and inspire new ways of thinking about sustainability. By studying and influencing the behaviors of species like woodworms, bark beetles, and coots, he develops innovative methods for working with organic matter, exploring themes of circularity, adaptation, and ecological resilience.
Jaron’s work moves beyond traditional artistic boundaries, incorporating material research, bio-design, and participatory art. He collaborates with scientists, designers, and local communities to test the practical and conceptual implications of human-nature partnerships. His approach is both experimental and process-driven, often resulting in works that evolve over time, shaped by the natural forces at play.
At its core, his practice challenges the notion of human dominance over nature. By embracing unpredictability and ecological interdependence, he aims to foster a deeper awareness of how design can function within, rather than outside of, the natural world. Through his work, Jaron invites us to rethink our relationship with the environment and explore new possibilities for sustainable collaboration.