John Lake is inspired and intrigued by the life of Kurt Schwitters, a German refugee artist, who sought sanctuary in Britain and came to work in Elterwater, Cumbria and began creating his third Merzbarn. John has found a particular affinity to Schwitters, through researching his life and influences. John plans to paint a series of works by a range of artists that Schwitters would  have been inspired by, and artists he would have worked with and influenced. What we hope to achieve through this project, is that John as an ‘outsider’ artist, brings his skills and knowledge of Schwitters to engage and inspire children and their families in welcoming the outsider.

John Lake has over the last few years developed his creative approach both by making work but, with the appropriate support, delivering and mentoring young people in their creative work. This has been working alongside artists in residence at Distington Community School, where he has gained a reputation both with staff, children and families for his talent and supportive approach in working with participants He is passionate about the work and disrupted life of Schwitters and wants to be able to introduce his work to communities, to expand the knowledge of the participants in work that they may not have been introduced to. Importantly to give access to communities to John’s way of thinking and create a culture of acceptance and respect.

John will be working with communities who struggle to access quality arts engagement through rural isolation, social economic deprivation and Covid 19.