In the 17th century when alchemy was at its height, many scientists were convinced that they could use science to turn more ordinary substances into gold. It was a time of transformation and potential discoveries. Even though the alchemists failed in their quest, I have become an adamant advocate of a different form of alchemy: using artistic expression to transform abstract scientific concepts into a visual medium. And I work specifically with nanoparticles, which are too small to see, so that has to count for something!