Summary

In the midst of the vast, tranquil landscape of the Baltic Sea island of Gotland, just a stone's throw from the sea, I invite you to discover all aspects of screen printing in my studio. We experiment with different screen printing techniques, play with color, form, and material, combine printing with mixed media, collage, and writing—and let the impressions of the island flow into our work.

My courses are aimed at anyone who wants to try something new, discover their own creativity, and escape from everyday life for a while – far away from the constant noise of digital technology. Turn off your cell phone and get your hands dirty: feel the materials, smell the colors, work with your hands. The focus is on haptics and direct experience.

I have been giving courses and workshops for over 13 years. It is particularly important to me to create an open, encouraging space where experimentation is expressly encouraged and everyone can find their own approach to creative work.

On Gotland, there is another component: the special environment. On excursions, we explore inspiring places on Gotland, visit other studios, and talk to artists. The multifaceted island, its landscape, and its tranquility are an essential part of the course experience. At lunchtime, we are served regional delicacies at the nearby Folkets hus or restaurant at the harbor. Please let me know in advance if you have any allergies or special dietary requirements. Coffee and cake in the afternoon, known as fika in Swedish, is served in the garden at the studio and is also included in the price. Breakfast and dinner are not included in the price but can be booked on request.

The retreat at a glance

The most important facts in a nutshell:

Categories: Creative Writing, Printmaking, Digital Detox, Detox Retreats, Creative Retreats
Date: May | Jul
Language(s): German
Level: Advanced, Beginner
Group Size: 6
Place: Lärbro, Sweden
Accommodation: not included
Catering: No meals
Services: Paints, printing tools, frames, and various types of paper are included.

You are welcome to bring your own paper, as well as your favorite pens and other painting and drawing materials.

Gowns and aprons are available.

Community and exchange are an essential part of the break

Natural surroundings with swimming opportunities within cycling distance

large garden with places to retreat

joint lunches and coffee/tea in the afternoon

Allergies and intolerances are taken into consideration.

Breakfast on request: 12 euros per day/person

Dinner on request: 20 euros per day/person

Extension of the course is possible: 65 euros per day/person

Extension with additional excursion and program by arrangement: 120 euros per day/person

Accommodation

Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. There is a beautifully located hotel with rooms and apartments nearby. Many vacation homes are available to rent through Airbnb. There are also numerous campsites and RV parks on the island. I am happy to help with tips and information.

Catering

Lunch is included in the price. At lunchtime, we will be served regional delicacies at the nearby Folkets hus or restaurant at the harbor. If you have any allergies or special dietary requirements, please let me know in advance.

Coffee and cake in the afternoon, known as fika in Swedish, will be served in the garden at the studio and is also included in the price. The same applies to water on all days. Breakfast and dinner are not included in the price but can be booked on request.

sequence

We will begin on Sunday afternoon after arrival with a get-together over typical Swedish fika (coffee and cake) and an introduction to the studio. On Monday, we will start with a more detailed introduction to theory and practice. I will present the various screen printing techniques that we will try out over the course of the week. Then we will get started with the practical work by first trying out the studio's screens. We will work with analog templates, which can be created in various ways, e.g., with permanent marker or paint on transparent paper or with cut-out stencils made of foil. You don't need to bring a finished idea with you. Let yourself be inspired on site, be open to experimentation and new things.
If you already have an idea, it is important that you can draw it. We do not work with digital images or photographs. Starting on Monday afternoon, we will work every day in the morning and afternoon, i.e., approximately 6 hours spread throughout the day. An excursion to special places is planned for Tuesday afternoon.

In the morning, we will discuss the day's schedule. This will be followed by a course input, a small task, or an impulse. Afterwards, you will work on your own printing project at your own pace. There will be a longer break at lunchtime, during which we will go out for lunch together. The evenings are free, although further excursions or activities are possible by arrangement.

This week is deliberately designed to be analog. You decide for yourself how far you want to withdraw from the digital world. The week leaves plenty of room for freedom. There is no pressure to perform, no evaluation, no comparison. Complete immersion in your own work, relaxing in the spacious garden, shared breaks with conversation and community—everything is possible.

Arrival

There are two ferry connections to Gotland from the Swedish mainland: from Oskarshamn and from Nynäshamn. If you are traveling by car, I recommend booking the ferry well in advance, especially during the peak season in July/August. If you are traveling "on foot," i.e., by train or plane, you will arrive via Stockholm. A shuttle bus runs directly from Stockholm Central Station to the ferry. I am happy to provide more detailed information on request. There are several car rental companies in Visby. A car is recommended on the island. The drive from Visby to the studio takes about 45 minutes. Pick-up from the ferry can also be arranged on request. There is also a bus from Visby to the north. I am happy to provide further information on request.

Rute Valleviksvägen 22, 624 58 Lärbro, , Sweden

Cancellation policy

If you cancel up to 30 days before arrival, you will receive a 50% refund of the booking price.
After this, the booking is non-refundable.

The full course fee is payable by bank transfer upon booking. After the statutory cancellation period of 14 days has expired, written notification, e.g. by email, is required if you wish to cancel.

If you cancel up to 4 weeks before the course starts, I will refund 50% of the course fees. If you cancel less than 30 days before the course starts, I cannot refund the course fee and it must be paid in full.

If a course is canceled due to, for example, insufficient number of participants, I will of course refund all payments made in full. However, any further claims are excluded. If you terminate the current course prematurely, you are not entitled to a pro-rata refund of the course fee. If you have any questions in advance, please feel free to contact me.