Hhe life is a continuous quest," says artist Ermelinde Sofia Zweers (34) full of enthusiasm and energy. In her recently opened gallery Uitgevogeldt on Prinsestraat, there is always something new to discover.  

'Fledged out'?

'Uitgevogeldt'? With the 'd' of completed and with the 't' to signify work in progress? With a smile and not for the first time, she happily explains the name in more detail: "The logo encompasses everything that 'Uitgevogeldt' encompasses. The bird represents the bird perspective that makes us see and receive clearly if we are willing to step out of our own ego. The egg, as a universal symbol for creation, encompasses the potential and creativity of our existence." And as the Dutch company name above her English-language website makes clear, her roots are in (down-to-earth) Holland. "The feet on the ground stand for earthly. Ultimately, we are here on earth to realise our dreams."  

Inside the gallery

From a boundless interest in people, animals, music and nature, Zweers has undertaken many activities since childhood. "My parents regularly tried in vain to impress upon me that a week has no more than seven days," she recalls with a laugh. However, the deep interest in so much could not be contained, and later in life she continued to follow many different paths. Not that it was always easy. "It is simply a challenge to find yourself in this world - especially from my holistic approach with an appetite for all the colours of life - but I am very grateful for all the diverse experiences."  

The journey of discovery led her from architecture at TU Delft to psychology, pabo, conservatory and physics, before finding her home in Montessori education. "My love for the child, life and nature came together harmoniously in it," she says. In Italy, she further deepened her knowledge of this form of education and founded a Montessori school with some Italian parents in a small village near Bergamo, northern Italy.  

Love 

Throughout the quest, painting remained her constant companion; all the colours she discovered in her own life found their way to the canvas. Ever since she returned to the Netherlands for love six years ago, her life has been enriched with the most beautiful colour possible. She beams: "Last year I became a mother. And this spring, the strong desire to share my insights, love and experiences with as many people as possible also took root in my first own gallery." 

Artist Ermelinde Sofia Zweers

Where her company used to operate online, there is now a nice place, in the heart of The Hague. "We have created a fine space to gather. To experience the Uitgevogeldt heartbeat with many in a harmonious ambience, inspired by nature in its colourful diversity." 

With that, not a word too much has been said. Zweers' colourful works - some with explosive power - are shown off to their full advantage in the warm, homely interior. Lush plants and flowers, delicate ornaments, refreshing drinks and snacks, and even concert afternoons: everything is designed to stimulate the senses. In almost poetic fashion, she invites everyone: "Prinsestraat 116 is not just a place to sell paintings and prints, but above all to feel love in all its glory. To inspire, to create an appetite for colours and bring more flavours into the conversation. Also literally, over refreshing drinks and snacks from our varied menu. Look, read, listen, taste, talk and sing your song at Uitgevogeldt Gallery." 

Vision

In short, the door of Uitgevogeldt is open: Zweers wholeheartedly wants everyone to share 'all the colours of the rainbow' she has found. And which return in her painting with 'holistic works of life'. "In my narrative art, I hope to share insights and experiences and also inspire others," she says. Her vision of life and art hark back to a universal primal philosophy. "Art is a broad concept, infinite in its expression. I try to bring together as many art forms as possible to achieve unity in diversity. In a loving environment, we can revive our sense of community and intuitive wisdom. On our earth, Gaia, we share finitude in a universe of infinite existence. Our goal, I believe, is to be in balance with the natural cycles." 

Zweers hopes that many will come to visit to indulge in all the beauty and, above all, connect with each other. "With the 't' of Uitgevogeldt, I will try to come up with new work every season in the continuous process of refinement. I look forward to lots of figuring out together."  

 www.uitgevogeldt.com