Oil on canvas – 11,81 x 11,81 inch – Unique work

Faced with the abyss of the earth, I feel so small.

Once upon a time in the bowels of the earth, in the murderous depths, miners were mining coal in the Delloye pit. For 40 years, generations have followed the same path. The path of courage, hard work, danger, mutual support, solidarity at work and at home. That’s the way it is in Lewarde.

May the earth contain abundant natural resources. But the price to pay is so huge. For a long time men, women and children worked in this murderous black dust. The insidious silicosis seeps into the pulmonary alveolus and death waits. Even more dangerous than the firedamp, it eats away at humans.

Then horses were taken prisoner in the basement. If they were healthy, they wouldn’t even come up to the surface … They’re as well treated as they can be under such conditions. Some ended up blind. A funny life for them too. Yet everyone gave their share. A piece of you always remains at the bottom. Obviously, it cannot be otherwise.

And then, the techniques evolved, the security tried to show its small piece of nose. Despite everything, fatal accidents with firedamp, or not, are still here. Daily life is improving, employee rights have emerged. And yet it is still so difficult to work as a miner.

And then the financial takes over the environment. So even though coal is still present below in phenomenal quantities, mining is stopped, mines closed.
However, it is crucial to educate on memory. This memory of men, women, children, horses who worked, suffered, lived on charcoal, thanks to the treasure offered by our mother earth, must be maintained at all costs. This site is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Once upon a time in the bowels of the earth, in the murderous depths, miners were mining coal in the Delloye pit. For 40 years, generations have followed the same path. The path of courage, hard work, danger, mutual support, solidarity at work and at home. That’s the way it is in Lewarde.

Faced with the abyss of the earth, I feel so small.