"Art as Healing:

A Physician’s Perspective"

"Art as Healing:

A Physician’s Perspective"

Hi…
I am Dr. Vasundhara (Vasu) Tolia

A woman with black hair, wearing a purple floral shirt, is painting on a canvas inside a room with a window showing green trees outside.

Ever feel caught between roles or weighed down by stress?

As a physician for over three decades, I understood the science of healing. But when I picked up a paintbrush, I discovered something deeper—art’s power to heal the parts of us medicine can’t reach.

My journey from Pediatric Gastroenterology to Fine Art began as a search for my own wholeness—navigating between Indian heritage and American life, between being a healer and needing healing myself.

Today, I create healing-focused, story-rich art that speaks to people in transition: women balancing roles, families facing loss or change, anyone seeking a calm refuge in a busy world. My paintings transform living spaces into sanctuaries that soothe, inspire, and invite reflection.

Each piece carries intention: to help you feel seen, to spark meaningful conversations, and to anchor you in resilience during life’s shifting seasons.

Because healing doesn’t stop at our walls, a portion of every sale supports charitable causes close to my heart—mental health, women’s empowerment, neurodivergence.

You deserve more than décor. You deserve art that understands your story and creates space for calm and connection.

Join the Journey

Art is more than a visual experience; it is a journey of the soul. I welcome you to explore my gallery, follow my artistic journey, and embrace the healing power of creativity. Together, let’s celebrate the profound connection between medicine and art, and how it shapes our understanding of life, health, and human resilience.

A woman wearing a colorful floral dress stands in front of a gallery wall with various floral paintings, smiling at the camera.

Featured Podcasts

Lost in the Groove Podcast

Episode 209: Interview with Artist Vasu Tolia

Blending Medicine and Art

Mastery Unleashed with Christie Ruffino

(Audio & Video)- Click Here

Storytelling

With Sabine Kvenberg

(Youtube)- Click Here

The Season of Self Love

"How Art Can Transform and Empower"

Inspired Choices Podcast

with Caroline Biesalski

(Audio & Video)- Click Here

Book 101 Review

with Daniel Lucas

(Audio & Video)- Click Here

It’s been such a joy connecting with these hosts — exploring creativity, storytelling, and the healing power of art.

Abstract painting with vibrant colors and swirling patterns, including pink, blue, orange, and green, with floral and geometric motifs.
An abstract painting featuring flowing, intertwined shapes in shades of blue, orange, and mint green with a purple background and paint drips.

I work thematically with each series, striving to transform the ordinary into something mystical yet deeply relatable. My use of vibrant colors brings an irresistible allure to my paintings, creating a sense of delight and wonder.

Abstract colorful painting featuring various shapes and lines in shades of purple, red, green, yellow, orange, blue, and pink.
Abstract geometric painting with various rectangles and squares in shades of blue, yellow, and light green, featuring patterns like stripes, polka dots, and dots.

‘Determination’ in Henry Ford Medical Center,Macomb facility

My Artwork in Public Places

A colorful painting of a tree with flowers on its branches, set in a vibrant landscape.
Abstract artwork featuring the side profiles of three human faces layered in different colors and textures.
A colorful painting of a tree with a rounded canopy filled with yellow and purple flowers against a green background.

3 paintings in Baker College for Royal Oak, MI campus

Abstract painting with various colors and shapes, including blue, red, black, beige, and orange
Two young monks in red robes walking through an ancient stone temple, holding candles, with seated Buddha statues on either side.

2 Paintings in the corporate headquarters of Neilmed Pharmaceuticals,  Santa Rosa,CA

A painting of a hand holding a green virus particle, with stamps on the hand and fingers, surrounded by floating virus particles.

“The World United” chosen by CDC for the cover of Dec 2022 issue of The Emerging Infectious Disease

Collage art with torn paper layers, a silhouette of a woman stretching, and the word 'REALIZATION' at the top, with text and patterns underneath.
A poem titled 'Depression' on textured paper with a black and white geometric paper spiral in the foreground, placed on a black surface. 
In addition to painting, I write ekphrastic poetry as another way to express the emotions and stories imbued in my work. Exhibitions and collaborations with fellow artists have allowed me to connect with others who share a similar passion, and over the years, my art has been honored with numerous accolades.

Donations

My artistic journey is deeply intertwined with causes close to my heart. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of my original artworks is donated to three charities I am committed to, and you can choose that option at checkout.

Charities I Donate to:

No Shame on U , Ted Lindsay Foundation & Lift Up the Vulnerable

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