The Poet Painter
A lifetime at the verse.
1960's
The Band Years
The music came first. Through the 1960s and into the 1970s he wrote and played with bands that earned gold records. At a tender age of 14, Laurence began his first band. Til this day, he is still friends with the boys in the band. Those years gave him rhythm, composition, and the feel of a room.
Edinburgh
Scotland
The Verse is Realized
In his twenties he lived in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Burns community of Scottish Arts gave him the title Poet Laureate of Scotland. Burns was the influence, and those years set the poems in that inheritance. From there, the poetic journey rose.
England
Behind the Concert
In England he turned from playing to the making of concerts. He learned production under Andros Georgiou, manager to George Michael. Those years taught the scale of a night, and how a performance is built before anyone takes the stage.
1990s
2000s
Poetry, Writings and Beyond
Poetry, painting, writing, and music have been one life’s journey, and an extraordinary one. The poems and the paintings are archived for future generations. Out of that life he made The Poets Foundation, to give culture and art back to the children, and to keep it for the generations still to come.
More on the Life of a Poet:
The Poet Painter
E. Laurence Bake:
A Luminary Bridging Eras in Art In the annals of contemporary art, few figures embody the profound fusion of tradition and innovation quite like E. Laurence Bake.
A lifelong poet, painter, musician, and storyteller, Laurence has dedicated over five decades to cultivating a remarkable body of work that seamlessly bridges the classical and the avant-garde.
Laurence's unwavering commitment to artistic integrity led him to consciously eschew the conventional art world's allure of fame and fortune, opting instead for a path of introspective creation, allowing his unique vision to mature authentically.
1965 The Boys in the Band
A Multifaceted Artistic Foundation
Laurence 1994
Poetry - Music - Dance
Laurences's extraordinary artistic journey began in the vibrant music scenes of the 1960s and 1970s. During this prolific period, he performed with several bands that achieved gold record status, making a significant early impact on the music industry. These collaborations and performances not only showcased his formidable musical prowess but also laid a crucial foundation for his multifaceted artistic career, instilling in him a deep understanding of rhythm, composition, and audience connection.
His talents extended beyond music. In his 20s, while living in Edinburgh, Scotland, Laurence's poetic gifts were recognized with the highly coveted, albeit informal, title of Poet Laureate of Scotland. This distinguished acknowledgment came from prominent figures within the Burns Agency of Scottish Arts community, reflecting the profound influence of the revered Robert Burns legacy on his work. This formative period in Scotland further deepened his connection to the rich literary heritage of the nation, imbuing his poetry with a timeless resonance.
In the subsequent years, Laurence expanded his expertise beyond performance. He ventured into the demanding realm of concert production in England, where he meticulously honed his skills under the direct mentorship of Andros Georgiou, a highly respected manager and producer renowned for his work with the legendary singer George Michael. This immersive experience was instrumental in shaping Laurence's understanding of the intricate logistics and creative demands involved in orchestrating large-scale musical events. This period significantly enriched his artistic repertoire, providing him with an unparalleled understanding of professional artistic presentation from behind the scenes.
The Dawn of "Painted Poems"
Emerging into the public eye in 2025, Laurence introduces his seminal series, The Divine Love Collection. These groundbreaking "Painted Poems" are not merely canvases; they are museum-quality works that ingeniously intertwine his original poetic verses with a harmonious blend of hand-painted artistry and cutting-edge imagery.
This innovative approach is a testament to his vision: it not only preserves the sanctity of traditional artistry but also boldly embraces the transformative possibilities of modern technology. This unique synthesis positions his work at the very forefront of a new artistic movement, one he is actively pioneering.
Laurence's artistic journey, while firmly rooted in the powerful experiences of a professional musician, acclaimed poet, and seasoned concert producer and entertainer, gracefully evolved into a profound and multifaceted exploration of the poetic arts. His creations resonate with the romantic idealism of literary luminaries such as William Blake and Emily Dickinson, yet are infused with the spiritual profundity reminiscent of Rumi's universal love poems, creating a unique and deeply moving artistic voice.
A Legacy Unveiled
Beyond his captivating visual art, Laurence's extensive oeuvre encompasses a rich tapestry of poetic scrolls, musical compositions, and literary works. His "Poetry Scrolls" offer a uniquely tactile connection to his verses, inviting audiences to physically engage with his words.
Furthermore, his eagerly anticipated forthcoming music and poetry album showcases collaborations with talented artists, all meticulously recorded in his private studio. These endeavors, alongside his anticipated series of books and collectible recordings, collectively signify the grand unveiling of a creative legacy meticulously honed and refined over a lifetime.
Laurence's works are far more than mere artifacts; they are vibrant embodiments of a new era where the human spirit and technological advancement coalesce in a harmonious symphony. His "Painted Poems" serve as a powerful testament to the enduring and transformative power of creativity, echoing the revolutionary impact of iconic artists like Marcel Duchamp and Claude Monet by fundamentally redefining the boundaries of artistic expression itself.
As his pieces begin to captivate private collectors and garner significant attention from the global art world, Bake stands poised to indelibly redefine the artistic landscape. His creations are truly destined to be cherished as treasures of the digital age and beyond, leaving an indelible and lasting mark on the history of art for generations to come.
E. Laurence Bake and Ann Anderson,
Co-Founder & Exec. Director