The Intersection of Art, Healing & Medicine | Vasu Tolia

FOR EPISODE LINKS & MORE INFO VISIT: https://samhorton.co/blog/ep47

In this episode, Sam Horton is joined by Vasu Tolia—former pediatric gastroenterologist turned self-taught visual artist—whose journey from medicine to creativity reveals how deeply interconnected healing, science, and art truly are.

Vasu shares how life events and a sense of incompleteness in her post-academic medical work led her to experiment with visual art, eventually discovering it as a profound tool for both personal and collective healing. From her early days dabbling in representational art to her current passion for expressive abstraction, Vasu opens up about the vulnerability, growth, and transformation that come with embracing a second act in life.

This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself—and that creativity can be a deeply spiritual path back to joy, purpose, and self-discovery.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Vasu's journey from medicine to art was sparked by personal reevaluation and a desire to find deeper fulfilment.
• The creative process, rather than the final artwork, holds the most healing power for her.
• Art became a meditative practice, offering calm, joy, and a sense of purpose.
• Her work bridges the realms of science, healing, and creativity, reflecting her lifelong passion for wellness.
• Vasu shares how her art has been recognized nationally, including being featured by the Washington Post and the CDC.
• Letting go of a long-held identity (like that of a doctor) can be a powerful step toward soulful living.
• She views her past as a rich source of inspiration for her art, not a limitation.
• Through her art, Vasu now supports causes close to her heart—like women’s empowerment, autism, and environmental protection.
• Creativity is essential to self-care and self-expression; it connects us to our spirit and to others.
• Vasu's advice: “It’s never too late to begin. Follow your passion passionately.”

FOR EPISODE LINKS & MORE INFO VISIT: https://samhorton.co/blog/ep47

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Chapters

• 0:00 Introducing Vasu Tolia
• 1:38 Vasu's Creative Journey
• 4:56 Discovering the Healing Power of Art
• 7:33 Vasu's Healing Journey
• 9:20 Letting Go of the Old and Embracing the New
• 11:58 How Medicine and Art Complement Each Other
• 13:27 Embracing your Second Act
• 18:01 Why is Art Leading the Way
• 19:50 Vasu's Self Care Practices
• 21:49 Powerful Questions for Healing & Empowerment
• 23:51 Connect with Vasu

Transcript

Ep 47: Soul-led Creative Women - Vasu Tolia

[00:00:00]

Sam Horton: So today I have Vasu Tolia with me. Vasu is a self-taught artist who embarked on her artistic journey after retiring from the medical field,Her work serves as a bridge between her diverse life experiences and her passion for visual arts. Through her art, she seeks to capture the essence of humanity, nature, and the ever evolving world around us. Vasu's work continues to evolve at the intersection of medicine, art, and healing. Creating spaces where science meets creativity and wellness finds expression through visual storytelling.

So welcome Vasu. 

Vasu Tolia: Thank you. Thank you for having me on your show, Sam. 

Sam Horton: No worries. So, As sort of your bio really led us into, we're gonna be talking today about the intersection of medicine, art, and healing. So, uh, first of all, let's start with your creative journey. You know, tell us about, how you got started with painting and, what really called you to start, this part of the journey.[00:01:00]

Vasu Tolia: You know, I'm, I'm not sure what, how it started in the sense that. some adverse events happened in my academic life and I felt that I had to reevaluate what I was doing. So at first, I tried private practice for a while and then I was not too content with it, you know, it just didn't gimme the same feeling of.

Completeness that I had with teaching, mentoring and research that I was doing. Mm-hmm. So I said, if I don't want to continue this, I, I have to find other avenues to occupy my time. And that's when I started looking into various things and, uh, visual art was one of them, because it's easier to do compared to sculpting and, uh mm-hmm.

Ceramics and all that, you know? And I Very accessible, isn't it? It's easy to get started. Yes. Mm. So it was one of [00:02:00] the things that I started with experiment and. It took a lot of patience and several years before I discovered myself, but mm-hmm. I just continued to be at it because I knew that to be, you know how they say, to be good at anything, you need to spend 10,000 hours.

Yeah. Think that particular thing, and I knew I had doing it in medicine, so. Mm-hmm. 

Sam Horton: Uh, 

Vasu Tolia: but, you know, gradually things started falling in place. Sure. Uh, started with representational art and then it evolved into semi-abstract and abstract patterns slowly because I wanted to lose myself in the, the creativity and not just be confined to a form.

Sam Horton: Sure. 

Vasu Tolia: So I decided to explore all those things and, To be honest with you, I'm still experimenting and yeah, trying to find myself because I like to learn new [00:03:00] techniques and yeah, keep on growing and not just stay static in one particular style. 

Sam Horton: Yeah, and that's part of the reason why you go back to it, I'm sure, you know, it's, it's that play and exploration and there's a real vulnerability and discovery to it, isn't there?

So yeah, that's one of the reasons why I keep, painting so can relate to that. 

Vasu Tolia: Yeah. 

Sam Horton: you paint, sorry, 

Vasu Tolia: you paint your, you paint yourself. 

Sam Horton: Yes, yes, yes. I paint too. Okay. I mean, that's the thing that I sort of fell in love with. I think, you know, like you, I tried many things, but that was the thing that stuck, you know, and the thing that kept calling me back, good.

But it's only through, I think, you know, taking that a bit further than discovering that actually it was the creative process, you know, something within the process itself, not necessarily about the finished artwork that really, you know, was the most powerful element for me. So I'm sure that probably resonates with you two, considering Yeah.

The [00:04:00] angle of your work. So 

Vasu Tolia: You nailed the purpose of making it that it's a process, you are not end result. 

Sam Horton: Yeah, it's definitely the process. So the overarching theme of your work then, you know, in both medicine and now in art, they're both focused around healing.

So have you always been a healer? Tell us about the healing aspect of your work. 

Vasu Tolia: you know, my. Understanding of the relationship between art and healing has been honestly profoundly shaped by my journey from being a doctor in the past. And this per perspective will evolved from a purely scientific way to a more holistic understanding that integrates both medical knowledge and artistic insight.

As a pediatric gastroenterologist, I primarily viewed healing through the lens of medical interventions and innovations because I myself contributed to research in treating many of [00:05:00] those diseases or conditions. But I always, bore in mind, the patient's mental health and the parents' attitudes, you know, when their children were sick and the emotional support that one needs in the healing process.

Mm-hmm. I, I saw how firsthand, you know, firsthand how a child's outlook and then enrollment could impact recovery. So when I transitioned to art, and at that that point, I don't even think the idea of art as a. Healing tool had evolved, to be honest with you. We certainly didn't have hallways full of paintings and things like that when I was practicing.

But as I began to explore the healing from a different angle by making art, because I found that I myself experienced a lot of calm and. Happiness as I was losing myself in a zone while creating it because it had, it was becoming kind of a [00:06:00] meditation for me. So, and then I started to research into how visual stimuli, colors, and artistic expressions can influence a person's emotional state, and by extension, their physical wellbeing also.

So it wasn't just an intuitive understanding. But I was able to connect it through my research and medical understanding and learning more about the healing aspects of art by reading up, reading up a lot and, and I'm hoping to do more research into it and, you know, ex extend my academic background into doing some healing studies.

Sam Horton: Yeah, sure. So. How have you had to heal yourself then, you know, in order to, you know, be a healer for others, whether it's through medicine or art. You know, what, what's, what's your healing journey been like? 

Vasu Tolia: It's been wonderful [00:07:00] because.after I have discovered this connection and have experienced it firsthand, I have seen that art has the power to reduce stress.

Mm-hmm. Inspire and create environments that can be conducive to healing or providing comfort. You know, like you feel more comfortable if you see something that you find to be sitting while you are in a stressful situation. Mm-hmm. Like in a, mm-hmm. Hospital waiting room or a lounge at the airport or something like that.

Mm-hmm. Your flight is delayed and you are stressed and anxious if something comes, is there, you know, it might help you deal with the situation a little better. And it's, it's, you know, art is a form of non-verbal communication and it allows individual individuals to find emotions and things in there or.

Just process it in a way that they might struggle to articulate verbally. [00:08:00] So I think it's a very powerful tool for healing. I. 

Sam Horton: Yeah, absolutely. I completely agree with that, Vasu yeah, and I would say, you know, the communication could probably extend to a communication with our spirit and our soul. Right.

You know, when we're immersed in this, you know, artistic expression in particular, when we're involved in the process, you know, it's, it's like we're having a conversation with, you know, a much wiser part of ourself, right? 

Vasu Tolia: Yes, absolutely. 

Sam Horton: So when did you realize that you needed to let go of your identity within the medical field and sort of embrace, you know, art as part of your future?

You know, tell us a bit about, what the catalysts for that were, 

Vasu Tolia: you know, it's, I would have to say it was about about five to seven years in my journey, especially during covid time. 

Sam Horton: Mm-hmm. 

Vasu Tolia: I started to liberate myself from the confines of representational art more to, [00:09:00] semi-abstract and abstract artwork.

And that's when, when there was a call for Covid Art from Washington Post and I submitted an artwork and, uh, they accepted it and listed it as top 20 in the nation. 

Sam Horton: Oh, wow. 

Vasu Tolia: I was, I was immensely pleased that, yeah. That's so 

Sam Horton: good. Yes. Well, it's actually, you know, so brave to actually submit in the first place.

I mean, there's a lot of resistance to submitting, isn't there? So, yeah. Wow. Yeah. 

Vasu Tolia: That's 

Sam Horton: so good. Yes. 

Vasu Tolia: You always feel you are, whether you are good enough or not, you know, you should do it or not. Then the year after that, CDC contacted me and said they wanted to use that artwork on the cover of the Journal of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Sam Horton: That's so good. 

Vasu Tolia: Yes. It was a huge moment for me. 

Sam Horton: Mm-hmm. Like, 

Vasu Tolia: you know, my art and medicine. They were both coming together [00:10:00] and the usual word, so it's, it's like a sign, right? 

Sam Horton: It's like a sign sent to you to say, yes, you're on the right path. Vasu keep going. 

Vasu Tolia: Exactly that. You keep trudging ahead and mm-hmm.

Things will happen in the sense that now I do many solo shows almost to ing a solo show every year for last five years, and. I create arts on different themes and mm-hmm. It gives me a lot of joy and pleasure to do this. 

Sam Horton: Yes. And I'm sure that your, your medical experience must somehow be infused in your art.

You know, we don't, we don't, uh, even if we've moved on from practicing, you know, in the same way, you know, in, in terms of work, it's still part of us. Right. So tell us about how medicine and art complement each other within the work that you're doing. 

Vasu Tolia: mm-hmm. I, I think the combination of both key makes healing more holistic.

Sam Horton: [00:11:00] Mm-hmm. 

Vasu Tolia: you know, not just the allopathic medicine part of it, but also the healing. It's like, not the meditation, the way you sit down with breathing and focus and all that. Mm-hmm. But meditation in a different way.like, as I'm sure you have experienced it, that when you are there, you know, you don't care about time.

You are just creating and passing your time and experimenting and doing whatever you want to, and the, the best part of it is that. If you didn't like something, if things didn't go the way you wanted it to, you can always just cover it up with gesso and start insulate again. 

Sam Horton: Mm-hmm. That's it. Yeah. 

Vasu Tolia: That, that gives you a lot of freedom of, perception that, you know, it doesn't have to be perfect.

I'm just going to do it and see how it evolves and if it doesn't evolve, the way I like it. Then I will redo [00:12:00] it, or either the whole of it or only certain parts of it. 

Sam Horton: Hmm. 

Vasu Tolia: So that way I feel it gives you a chance at reinventing yourself again and again. 

Sam Horton: Mm-hmm. 

Vasu Tolia: and, and it, it, it's like a visual focal point for meditation to creating a sense of connection and meaning.

Mm-hmm. Because, this gives a new purpose to my life that I'm not static. After one, one career that that was stellar. But now I'm finding my, another, you know, second act. 

Sam Horton: Yes. That's 

Vasu Tolia: equally meaningful and probably as fulfilling as the first one. Yeah. So that way I feel it heals me. Mm-hmm. When it heals me, I am, I hope I'm able to heal others also.

Sam Horton: Mm. Yeah. It's a brave leap. I mean, I, I can really relate to it, but I, there's sort of like a point in time where you have to sort of [00:13:00] trust the unknown and step into it, uh, which it sounds like you've done. It's very powerful though, to reinvent yourself in that way. You know, a lot of people are too scared to do it.

What would you say to people who are too scared? 

Vasu Tolia: I think. People should just come forward and think of their first act as, a seed from which you can grow 

Sam Horton: mm-hmm. 

Vasu Tolia: And become something different. use all those advantages, you know, all the, the things you learned as an advantage, you know, to start a new something.

And, and just don't look back. Hmm. But you do have to evaluate and see whether it gives you happiness or not. Yeah. You know, because you are trying to think of your, take your mind off what your current focus is and want to try something new, either because you are not happy or you feel you need to have another outlet to become more creative.

[00:14:00] Mm-hmm. I think you have to reevaluate, you know, as you go along and start dabbling in things that, is this making me happy? Is this the way I want to go? Is it working out the way I want it to, or should I think of something else? Mm-hmm. Or just more time and decide what to do.for, you know, people who have a job for a living, uh, just giving up a career is not easy.

Even if they're happy, they need to, you know, have a living and supporting family if they, you have one. So it's not that easy to just give up something and start something afresh. Sometimes they have to go parallel to each other and see the way they go and then, how it pans out. But I think those who want to, you know, especially women, we are always.

You know, reserved in our choices for [00:15:00] creating what will people say and is this going to be good enough or will I be considered worthy again, like from being, being a doctor to being a visual artist. But I think both the careers are equally powerful. Mm-hmm. You know, it isn't like being a doctor makes me,A better person or Yes. More of a person than being an artist. Yes. Because I think all human lives and all human vocations deserve same respect, you know? Yes. You just wanna be the best at what you want to be the best you can. So I think those who wanna follow the creative PA passions later in life, I would just urge them and tell them it's never too late to begin.

Sam Horton: Mm-hmm. 

Vasu Tolia: like I found my calling to be an artist after a long career, and it was a great career, you know, fulfilling. Mm-hmm.at first I hesitated wondering if it was. Worth it. Mm-hmm. And whether I should be [00:16:00] doing something like that. But I quickly realized that every life experience I have had, both personal and professional, have actually enriched my creative journey.

Mm-hmm. And that has shaped my artistic vision now, and it gives me a different depth and perspective than I would have had at a younger age. You know, when I was just focused on a single thing. You know? Yeah. So any woman wanting to consider, or anyone wanting to consider a new creative path? I would say embrace your past as a source of inspiration, not a limitation.

Sam Horton: Mm-hmm. 

Vasu Tolia: I think age brings wisdom and with it a unique voice that can powerfully influence your art. So I would just follow the passion passionately. 

Sam Horton: Mm. So why do you think that, you know, considering that all things are equal, right? You know, why do you think art has won for you this, in this season of your life?

 why is art leading the way?[00:17:00]

Vasu Tolia: Art is leading the way right now because even though I still consult in the medicine, it's really become a much less important part of my life right now. Mm-hmm. And, uh, and I, I feel that I have found that second career that gives me a lot of joy and fulfillment. Sure. And, my other thing about my art is that, Sam, that I, I'm using it also as a mission, you know, or I'm using it as a vehicle to fulfill my missions, I should say. Mm-hmm. So I'm trying to, and some of my missions are women's empowerment and protecting the, protecting the planet. Medical research. Helping kids with autism. So I donate a portion of the sales of, from my website to these charities mm-hmm.

That the customer can choose. And being able to give back to the community and society [00:18:00] that way, and giving a helping hand to whatever the focus of those missions that resonate with me, uh, makes me feel more fulfilled and yes, 

Sam Horton: sure. It's very powerful 

Vasu Tolia: for being able to do that. 

Sam Horton: Mm. And you know, it must, I guess as you move along the journey, you know, maybe art sort of helps you to show more of yourself and allow more of kind of your soul to shine out into the world.

Right. Which is very powerful in itself. So, I mean, that's what I'm getting when I'm listening to you. So hopefully that resonates. Yeah. Mm. So how do you take care of yourself then? Obviously, you know, creativity must be a huge part of that, but tell us about how you look after yourself, you know, and what your, what your routine looks like in terms of caring for Vasu.

Vasu Tolia: we travel a lot. Mm-hmm. I listen to lots of audio books. I belong to a couple of book clubs. Mm-hmm. And I like it because [00:19:00] that. Makes me read books that I might not have selected myself. So it kind of broadens my vision. You know, the literature and all those things are always good for your creativity and for your soul.

Mm-hmm. You know, it's literary arts is also a huge thing, you know, as. Like, if you are not creating something like a painting, you could be writing, you know, a poem, which I do at times. so I do that when I'm traveling. I usually don't paint, but I will write more. Mm-hmm. And we love to travel a bit, see different places, and get, you know, I, I find nature the biggest inspiration.

Mm-hmm. And, uh, also, it's so beautiful, you know. To want to create something that you saw in nature. You cannot exactly copy ever, you know, on any surface or any way, but to be able to represent what you saw and [00:20:00] experienced when you mm-hmm. Saw a particular scene in whatever way, or you saw some people or something in a different culture appeal to you to be able to represent it in some way through my art.

is, you know, what I enjoy. Yeah. besides that, I just meeting friends because I think being social is very important. Mm-hmm. Part of being, staying healthy, having real friendships. so that, that's how we do, you know, things and, I'm very happy doing that. 

Sam Horton: Yes. So for all the women out there then who want to, you know, do some more healing and, you know, I guess have that conversation with their soul, you know, what powerful questions would you have them ask themselves today?

Vasu Tolia: I would ask them, I would ask them to ask themselves is, how has your journey been so far? [00:21:00] Whatever you have doing, has it motivated you, fulfilled you?and how, in what way can you inspire and empower women if it's one of your goals or empower yourself to become more powerful? and how would you be mindful about your creative process in the sense that.

Doing something just beyond your particular job to enrich your mind more, how would you approach it mindfully And, always follow creative passions no matter what they are. Whether it's sewing, knitting, cooking, whatever you know, makes you happy, and gives you, pleasure you must do it without hesitation along with.

Whatever your other passion is, and have some commitments. Make your passion a purpose mm-hmm. And give back to the community and [00:22:00] society in the best way you can. Mm-hmm. And that's what individual, you know, can't really specify what one should do because Yeah, everybody has to do it according to what.

How it fits in their lives. 

Sam Horton: Sure. But I think, you know, you'd probably agree that creativity is, you know, a huge part of that, right? It's a way to return back to ourselves, and to empower ourselves, right? And I think that, helping people realize, you know, that creativity isn't sort of a nice to have or it shouldn't be bottom of the priority list, that it's really important, you know, as kind of part of it.

Right? 

Vasu Tolia: Absolutely. 

Sam Horton: So how can people get to know you better Vasu, and get a real feel for your paintings? I've seen some of your beautiful abstract paintings and, and get a feel for the work that you're doing. 

Vasu Tolia: Sure. they can visit my website@www.vasutolia.art. And I have a, Sam, I have a special gift for your listeners.[00:23:00]

Mm-hmm. Uh, it's my 2025 calendar on women's empowerment. It has. Painting of a woman, uh, one of my paintings of women on each of the 12 pages, and there is an actionable quote with it. Okay. As for every month. 

Sam Horton: So good. So 

Vasu Tolia: I think it would really be helpful for them to keep their inspiration flowing. 

Sam Horton: Sounds very powerful.

Excellent. Thank you so much for coming and chatting to me today, Vasu. Really enjoyed our conversation. Thank you so much. 

Vasu Tolia: Yeah. Thank you Sam, for having me. It's been a pleasure to chat with you.