Bears are one of my 'go-to' creatures due to my friendship with Scottish-Canadian artist William Brown, who set up his studio in my home valley. William painted many fine pieces with bears, often including bear 'scratches' around the edges of the paintings.

I struck up a friendship with William after calling in at his studio to see some prints (of bears and the Mari Lwyd). I happened to mention that I was looking for a guinea pig for a Welsh course I was developing. William volunteered immediately, we agreed that no money would change hands, but that William would make me lunch in exchange for a lesson. I was quite proud when a few years later we shared a stand at the Llanelli Eisteddfod, when William was discussing his works in Welsh.