HEIMWEH - Back to Our Roots
Roeselare, Belgium
7-11 November 2025
HEIMWEH (Homecoming)
Back to Our Roots
A 5-Day Mixed Media Retreat with Jack Ravi & Fietje Factory
Join us for an unforgettable creative journey where art, history, and self-discovery intertwine.
"Heimweh - Homecoming" invites you to explore your heritage, connect with your family roots, and transform your memories into thoughtful works of art.
What to Expect:
Over five inspiring days, we’ll guide you through a series of hands-on workshops, where you’ll create deeply personal and visually captivating pieces. From stunning 3D altered vintage tins, to ancestor remembrance pieces, we’ll reconnect to our family roots and our past homes, we’ll explore the beauty of storytelling through mixed media and culminate with a public exhibition of the work we made during the retreat.
Activities Include:
Ancestor Medals: Create meaningful tributes to honour your heritage.
3D Collages in Altered Tins: Age and transform vintage-style tins into layered, textured artworks filled with history and wonder.
Artwork of Your Happy Place: Capture the essence of your home, or what you consider your "home", through art that celebrates belonging.
Exhibition Setup Tips: Learn how to curate and showcase your work professionally, with practical advice and creative ideas for your own exhibitions.
Unique Experiences:
Vintage Treasure Hunting: Explore the secret shops of Roeselare to gather inspiring materials for your creations.
Visit to Bruges: Discover the charm of this historic, enchanting fairytale city and its creative influence.
Public Exhibition: End the retreat with a special exhibition showcasing the work we made during the retreat.
Who Is This Retreat For?
Artists, storytellers, and anyone seeking a deeper connection to their past, a sense of belonging, or a way to creatively honour their roots.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned maker, we know this retreat will inspire and challenge you.
PROVISIONAL TIMETABLE
Friday 7 November
Arrival 14.00 & welcome tea-time
Workshop 1/2 day
Dinner in Roeselare
Hotel
Saturday 8 November
Breakfast
Workshop full day
Lunch at Barlaban
Dinner & Studio Visit with Fietje Factory
Hotel
Sunday 9 November
Breakfast
Workshop 1/2 day
Packed lunch
Visit Bruges by train
Dinner in Bruges
Hotel
Monday 10 November
Breakfast
Vintage treasure hunting in Roeselare
Lunch at Barlaban
Visit Bruges by train
Workshop 1/2 day & exhibition setup
Dinner in Roeselare
Hotel
Tuesday 11 November
Breakfast
Workshop 1/2 day & Exhibition Moment
Lunch at Barlaban
Goodbyes
PAYMENT:
Single Room
1500 €
Shared Room
1325 € pp
Book your own room
1025 €
DEPOSIT: A non-refundable deposit of 500€ is required to secure your place. The balance can be paid as a single payment any time before October 1st 2025
This retreat is limited to 15 people.
INCLUDED:
4 nights in Hotel
4 breakfasts
4 lunches
4 dinners
Workshops with Jack Ravi and Fietje Factory
Vintage treasure hunting in Roeselare
1 pack of vintage materials
Welcome Gift
Drinks, cake & fruit during the workshop
Transfer from Lille to Roeselare
Train to and from Bruges
Endless laughter, new friends and tons of inspiration
NOT INCLUDED:
Transport to and from Lille
Travel Insurance
Drinks
CANCELLATION POLICY: If you purchase a spot in this workshop and need to cancel, please be aware that this is a non-refundable workshop. You may sell your spot to another person or if there is a waitlist for the workshop we will connect you with a person on the list.
Reconnect with your roots, celebrate the places that made you and discover your creative voice.
Join us in this creative homecoming retreat, honouring your story and welcoming you home.
Spaces are limited—secure your spot today!
Your Hosts
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Jack Ravi
Jack Ravi is a collage and mixed media artist who creates with found objects. His work is rooted in curiosity and wonder, and he approaches it as a personal, meditative journey. This is also reflected in the way he teaches, encouraging discovery and play while celebrating mistakes and insights. He offers pre recorded classes, in-person workshops, and live online classes that are intentionally kept small. Offering these sacred and intimate circles where participants can feel safe to express themselves creatively and even begin to heal together is an act of joy and empowerment. With a deep reverence for forgotten papers, he celebrates their beauty and potential in his art.
Jack is also the author of the book "Artful Memories: How to create unique art with old photographs.” He lives and works in Scotland.
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Fietje F@ctory
Her passion lies in vintage and old photographs, seamlessly blending them with inspiring quotes and poetry to create unique artworks. This creative journey began in January 2023, when she crafted a special birthday present for a fellow artist. Encouraged by the recipient, she delved deeper into merging her love for old photos, vintage aesthetics, poetry, history, and quotes, all infused with a feminine touch.
Drawing inspiration from Joseph Cornell, she explores the realm of assemblages and 3D collages, incorporating humor and thought-provoking elements into each piece. The art lessons she learned over 30 years ago in Germany continue to serve her well.
Step into the enchanting world of Fietje F@ctory, where captivating and imaginative fusions of elements await.
Useful Info
The workshop and hotel are located in Roeselare, just 30 km from Bruges.
If you’re arriving by car, the hotel has parking available, and it’s within walking distance of the workshop venue. The workshop will take place at Art & Music Café Barlaban in Roeselare.
If you prefer to travel by train, you can arrive in Lille from Paris (1 hour) or London (1.5 hours). We’d be happy to pick you up in Lille and take you to Roeselare.
