Clay-earth-skin : an exegesis of material and process in Kim Bagley's ceramics.

Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.This study is a practice-led research project in the field of studio ceramics. It focuses on the materials and processes of making vessels and hollow sculptural forms by Kim Bagley, in partial fulfilment of the MAFA degree. The study is an examination of an intuitive approach to ceramic production expressing the chosen theme: clay-earth-skin. This theme is metaphorically linked to the physical origin (the earth) and skin-like quality of plastic clay and some hollow ceramic forms. The theme is also linked to the concept of materiality and the ideas of Claude Lévi-Strauss, concerning nature and culture, and Philip Rawson’s ‘potter’s space’. These theoretical ideas are explored in terms of an intuitive, empirical approach to ceramic materials. The working process and finished works are contextualised in terms of the historical production of Peter Voulkos and the contemporary practice of Gareth Mason and Yo Akiyama whose work can be read as related to the researcher’s through a common use of the clay-earth-skin theme in some form. This dissertation posits and elucidates the relationship between theory and studio practice. It takes the form of an exegesis, that is, a contextual translation, which seeks to both record and reflect on the making process, and what it reveals, using digital photographs and reflective writings. These tools facilitated the recognition that conceptual, theoretical ideas reoccur in the moments of making, within the studio context, which results in an integrated relationship between theory and practice

Africa and the West: a contested dialogue in modern and contemporary ceramics

This practice-led research in the field of handmade ceramics explores what Africa means and how it is represented in ceramic practice. This is addressed through two research questions. The first is how can ceramics be used to picture, interpret and understand contemporary Africa? The second is what does 'Africa' or 'African-ness' mean in modern and contemporary ceramic practice set in various contexts, institutional and otherwise? The two questions address the construction and representation of African-ness respectively. There are many different grounds for understanding African-ness which are explored in detail. The critical approach is drawn from postcolonial theory and covers ceramic practice from mid-century to the present in South Africa, Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The research was conducted by a ceramicist with other makers in mind. A number of detailed examples or case studies are explored in writing, making and displaying ceramics. This includes the researcher's own ceramic practice which functions as both a case study and an investigation in itself. As an investigation, the theme of clay-as-skin was tested as an example of an appropriate metaphor for expressing ideas about African-ness using ceramics. The practice extends and has a reiterative relationship to the written work. The outcome of the research is the observation of a general shift from a negative or simplified perception to a more positive and complex view of this heterogenous and multi-faceted area of creative expression. Hybridity, multiplicity, historical reference and anthropomorphism were commonly found in contemporary African ceramics, particularly at intersections of Africa and the West. The research contributes a better understanding of changes to the representation and understanding of African-ness. This was achieved through the critical discussion of an original combination of literature, exhibitions and displays of ceramics, ceramic objects and the identities of ceramists. While this research offers many examples, including the reseacher's own practice, there are still not enough examples and different perspectives available

Research students exhibition catalogue 2013

This exhibition catalogue showcases the work of current UCA research students at various stages of their research journey. The theme of the exhibition and the one day conference is time - place - space and through their practice the research students examine these concepts and realities

Evaluating the role of p38 MAPK in the accelerated cell senescence of Werner syndrome fibroblasts

Progeroid syndromes show features of accelerated ageing and are used as models for human ageing, of which Werner syndrome (WS) is one of the most widely studied. WS fibroblasts show accelerated senescence that may result from p38 MAP kinase activation since it is prevented by the p38 inhibitor SB203580. Thus, small molecule inhibition of p38-signalling may be a therapeutic strategy for WS. To develop this approach issues such as the in vivo toxicity and kinase selectivity of existing p38 inhibitors need to be addressed, so as to strengthen the evidence that p38 itself plays a critical role in mediating the effect of SB203580, and to find an inhibitor suitable for in vivo use. In this work we used a panel of different p38 inhibitors selected for: (1) having been used successfully in vivo in either animal models or human clinical trials; (2) different modes of binding to p38; and (3) different off-target kinase specificity profiles, in order to critically address the role of p38 in the premature senescence seen in WS cells. Our findings confirmed the involvement of p38 in accelerated cell senescence and identified p38 inhibitors suitable for in vivo use in WS, with BIRB 796 the most effective

Idiopathic head tremor in english bulldogs

Idiopathic head tremor (IHT) syndrome is a recognized but poorly characterized movement disorder in English bulldogs (EBs). The data analyzed were collected via a detailed online questionnaire and video recordings. Thirty-eight percent of the population demonstrated IHT. The first presentation was early in life. There was no sex or neutered status predisposition. The condition disappeared with time in 50% of the cases. The direction of the head movement was vertical or horizontal. The number of episodes per day and the duration of the episodes were greatly variable. The majority of episodes occurred at rest. Most of the episodes were unpredictable. And there was no alteration of the mental status for most dogs during the episodes. Stress has been reported as a suspected trigger factor. IHT in EBs can be considered an idiopathic paroxysmal movement disorder