We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer W. Hilzinger recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jennifer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Actually, I never had the chance to think about it or map it out. My transition onto a professional, artistic path happened quite seamlessly. I was just finishing high school and contemplating what to study at university. At the same time, I was a serious figure skater, who had always focused on the artistry of the sport, as opposed to the technical requirements. During a training session, I was recruited by a National Champion, who was looking to fill a principle role in an ice show. I auditioned, got the part and experienced very suddenly, the euphoria of getting paid to do what I loved! That was the moment I knew that I would probably never have a “normal” job. One opportunity flowed into the next, so that I deferred my acceptance to university to pursue my passion. After performing in award-winning TV specials, touring France with World Champions and working on productions in Germany, I ended up staying in Europe.

Jennifer, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born in England, grew up in Canada and have lived most of my adult life in Germany. Up until Corona abruptly impacted the arts and entertainment industry, my profession was firmly rooted in the figure skating world. I had experienced the sport – which I prefer to call an art – at its pinnacle, from every angle – as a competitive athlete, show performer, choreographer, journalist, director, producer and consultant. Just prior to lock-down, I had produced and directed a couple of sold-out shows starring Olympic Champions skating to live music. Mid lock-down, while very much missing my creative outlet, I found that searching online for art to adorn my new white walls (we had just moved into a charming old manor in the countryside) filled that artistic void somewhat. Unbeknownst do me, this was the start of Evoke Art Gallery. We opened in November 2022.

What sets the gallery apart? The location. “Contemporary art in the countryside” sums it up. The stark contrast between the rural, nostalgic outer appearance of the 200 year-old farm estate and the modern, abstract flare of the vibrant artworks within the interior, has a very unique appeal.
What sets me apart as a gallerist? I always ensure the spotlight shines on the artist. I believe society undervalues the talent of artists in both the visual and performing arts. The connection I have with the artists is completely genuine. Each relationship started with my personal interest in a specific piece of art, followed by a studio visit to meet and learn about the artist, which in turn, resulted in my husband and I buying the artwork for our home! The working relationship developed from there and is one of mutual respect and understanding.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My aim is to showcase art that moves people because I truly believe that the value of art can only be measured in terms of an artist’s ability to evoke emotion within the beholder – hence the name of the gallery.
The first time I ever went to a vernissage – and this was before I had even the slightest thought of starting a gallery – I was traveling to Amsterdam to pick up an original flowerbed artwork, that I had had commissioned by the brilliant Zhuang Hong-Yi. I hadn’t expected to meet him in person that evening, but I did and for the next several hours, I was so intensely affected by his mesmerizing works and words, that by the end of the night, I was mentally and emotionally drained (in the best way possible!) This is what art can do.
A year later, I attended another solo exhibition by Zhuang Hong-Yi, this time, in Cologne. Once again, he was present. While the exhibition was beautiful and the artist was as intriguing as always, I was put off by the introduction by an art historian. She spoke in far too many analytical words, about what the artist intended and what we, the beholders should be seeing. The artist was standing right next to her! The whole thing felt wrong. Firstly, I only wanted to hear what the artist intended from the artist himself and secondly, the only two eyes that could possibly tell me what I was seeing were my own two. That is the beauty of art. Each beholder sees and feels individually. It is highly personal.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I would say, meeting other artists across all disciplines and geographical borders and discovering that we really do all speak the same language: creativity. I find it comforting, especially when other variables in life are so unpredictable and humanity is often questionable.
It’s both comforting and rewarding. The most meaningful compliment an artist can get is from another artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://evokegallery.de/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evoke_art_gallery/ https://www.instagram.com/jennydee74/?hl=de
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-weiss-hilzinger-a64977b6/

Image Credits

Nina Siber
Linnea May
Sonia Aumiller
Evoke Art Gallery