Two Lives

Alli Savage, Hobart City High School

In collaboration with Lyzette Matthews, Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, UTAS

Artist’s Statement

I am investigating research on ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) which is a form of motor neuron disease. In ALS, the motor neurons, responsible for the messaging of signals between the brain, spinal cord and muscles, degenerate. This degeneration stops signalling to muscles for voluntary movement, causing symptoms such as muscle weakness and paralysis. However, why they degenerate is unknown. 

The aim of Lyzette’s research is to investigate what role Renshaw cells might have in the deterioration of motor neurons. Renshaw cells, form a connection with motor neurons in the spinal cord. These cells help with regulating the activity of motor neurons. In ALS, motor neurons can become too active, known as hyperexcitability, which cause them to degenerate. However, it is not known whether Renshaw cells cause this hyperexcitability in motor neurons. Lyzette has been using a mouse model of ALS to examine the different ways that Renshaw cells may impact motor neurons. For my piece, I have decided to depict the hyperexcitability shown in motor neurons which cause them to degenerate. 

I have used clay, paint, fairy lights and canvas panels to show feet that each belong to a different person, one who has ALS, and one who doesn’t. The sporadic lights represent the hyper excitability of the degenerating motor neurons in comparison to the motor neurons of someone who doesn’t have ALS.

This collaboration has taught me how to use inspiration to create art that conveys a meaning and how to find ways to bring inspiration from those around me into a piece in a way that makes it my own.

Photographer: Peter Whyte

Description: I have used clay, paint, fairy lights and canvas panels to show feet that each belong to a different person, one who has ALS, and one who doesn’t. The sporadic lights represent the hyper excitability of the degenerating motor neurons in comparison to the motor neurons of someone who doesn’t have ALS.