Since I moved to Wales 2 years ago, I went 5 times to Big Pit in Blaenafon.

At first I thought it was the going down the mine experience that attracted me so I drove to Dolaucothi gold mine. I managed to shoot a short video there, echoing some of the visual experiences of Big Pit but it wasn't the same. I missed them. The ex miners, their gestures, their care, their peaceful and dense energy and also that particular darkness and the irregularity of the black shine of the coal face.

So I went back. I think they started recognising me so I had to officialise my obsession and turned it into a research for a potential show. John McGrath believed me and since last month I have also managed to infect John Collingswood, James Roberts and Chris Kinsey with the disease.

We have spent a day in the pit last week with Bob, Iain, Curly, Richard and Des and are going back soon. We don't have orange but navy blue overalls (which enable us to disappear quickly into the darkness) and I have discovered that coal pieces neatly slide out of their millions years home.

I love fossil fuel.