The artwork I have created is at once, both subtle and elucidating. Subtle, because it

is a depiction of the microscopic nerves and cells that reside inside of the human

heart and, elucidating because science has inspired me to investigate this new

discovery of “the little brain within the heart.” Recently, scientists have begun to scan

and map more accurate versions of the heart using the latest technology. And this

has led to the discovery that neurons typically found inside the brain are also present

in the heart. This, “heart brain connection” is what I have based my artwork on. “The

idea that we can think with our hearts is no longer just a metaphor” fascinates me,

and I have tried to unpack this by carefully recreating the image of a heart and these

new “braincell” neurons in my artwork. The threads of blue illustrate the vibrant

signals which are having an impact on our emotions and hence decisions. Moreover,

these neurons are further emphasized, as they are set against a grey-scale heart

backdrop which I have composed using many layers of pencil lead. Although the

heart is muted in this way, it is still the focus of my piece. Each individual work is a

piece of the heart, and the connection lies within the blue “neurons.” Which, similarly,

lie at the heart of the heart’s connection to the brain. Ultimately, this artwork is an

exploration of new advancements in science, mirrored by my art and given purpose

through the fascinating connection between the, no longer metaphorical, emotion-

based signals between the heart and the brain.