recent work and current projects

‘North Sea To The East’ is John’s poetic response to his native area from his earliest years to revisiting now as a pensioner.

It roves over the hills, moors and dales of North Yorkshire and walks the heritage coastline as well as embracing the Teesside ‘island’ of football and work representing the sweat and skill of generations set in that ocean of green, blue and grey.

John says, ‘This is a sharing of the heart and a work of time and nature – pastoral, littoral and industrial. Part love letter, part thank you note, it’s about belonging.’

Beautifully and extensively illustrated with over 100 images, ‘North Sea To The East’ is also a celebration of the work of many visual artists whose work inspired John’s poems with their responses to the landscapes and seascapes of the region.

Most are based in or hail from Teesside and North Yorkshire and giants of art history, contemporary masters and long time collaborators of John’s are represented.

‘North Sea To The East’ is published by Halstar on 10 December 2020 (ISBN 978 1 906690 73 1) and is available through their website www.halsgrove.com, via Amazon and through good booksellers and selected local outlets as they re-open.

‘John Powls’ poems are beautiful’ – Dr. Janina Ramirez – Cultural Historian, Broadcaster, Author