This piece was part of a monthly series held at Gallery GoGo (curated by Caleb Jay) where artists are given a theme and a 6x6 panel to work on. This one happened to be the April collection entitled "April Cools" where all pieces were limited to a cool color palette.

It depicts a being under the influence of music with plant-like neurons extending out of the head and musical notes drawn in gold ink, converting to various neurotransmitters as they dance among the synapses. It also features wavy gold designs along the edges.

The title is a pun on the term "Synaptic Cleft" which is the space in between two neurons where the exchange of chemicals takes place. It just worked out that a treble clef and bass clef resemble an S and a C. I also thought the visual parallel between musical notes and chemical structure diagrams was conveniently fitting.

The chemical structures depicted are a few of the main neurotransmitters: serotonin, adrenaline, dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA, and DMT. While DMT is not considered to be a neurotransmitter yet, I thought it would be fun to include it because of promising new research looking into it's potential role as a major one.

I was initially inspired by illustrations of synapses and my own fascination with chemistry. The design changed dramatically from a microscopic view of two neurons communicating, to a more playful blend of macro & microscopic worlds.

This change was brought on by my sister walking in the door with a new plant inside a small pot shaped like a person. I loved that image so much I just went with it.

It goes to show you shouldn't get too attached to one idea in case a better one walks in the door. You need to keep your mind open so you can catch it, kind of like how this person's mind is open to the air and vibrations around it. Catching a calm, trance like bliss. A state I aspire to be in, and a state catalyzed in the presence of music.