Interview with Grisell Vargas
Grisell Vargas is an award-winning physician who specializes in pain management.
She is a firm believer that science and creativity are not two separate worlds. She practices medicine and clinical research with passion. She is the author of 3 pain management books and more than 60 medical articles. She has created innovative pedagogical tools for both patients and physicians. In 2010, she created an artistic creativity group for patients suffering from chronic pain that continues to this day.
With the same passion that she practices medicine, she paints, sculpts, and draws, to name a few of her artistic talents.
Her first steps in fine arts were at the Rafael Monasterio School of Plastic Arts in Maracay, Venezuela, her country of origin. Through the years, she has enrolled in multiple courses to learn new techniques and give free rein to her creativity.
She believes that creating is giving existence to something that is not yet corporeal. It evolves from an idea to the result of working with the different materials. She strives to give color to a white canvas, to transmit emotions, and to explore. When beginning a new creation she infuses energy, not only with her hands, but also with her imagination. Each brushstroke and every combination of colors carries with it a little of her personal life, her pathway, and her inner world. This is the essence of what she wants to convey to those who observe her work.
As she is slowly transitioning from medicine to a full-time artist, she hopes to have more time to express her artistic essence.
Just as she prescribes medication to her patients to improve their well-being, she hopes that her art can procure smiles and happiness in her viewers.
Considering your dual roles as a physician and an artist, how do you see the intersection of art and medicine enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes? Could you share a specific instance where your artistic insights directly influenced your approach to a medical condition or a patient's treatment plan?
Art speaks to the heart and soul, just as medicine speaks to the person, their symptoms, and the repercussions of the disease on the patients' lives.
Art plays a vital role in healthcare, especially for healthcare workers, as it fosters a deep connection with the human side of caregiving. Art transcends the surface, creating a bridge between spirit and emotion. It expresses the artist's feelings while allowing the viewer to interpret their emotions in response. This kind of connection mirrors the doctor-patient relationship, where empathy and emotional understanding are key.
The intersection of art and medicine lies in the ability to connect with individuals on a deeply emotional level, helping to balance and even regulate emotions, especially in the face of challenging treatments with difficult side effects.
One tangible example of this influence is the artistic creativity group I founded 14 years ago for patients with non-malignant chronic pain. This initiative has provided patients with a creative outlet to express themselves and find a sense of distance from their pain. The testimonials from participants have revealed that the group has helped them create a mental and emotional space where they can step away from their suffering, even if just for a moment, giving them a greater sense of control and well-being. This demonstrates the power of art in enhancing patient care and improving quality of life.
In your view, what are the deeper philosophical implications of prescribing art for health? How does this approach challenge traditional medical paradigms, and what do you believe it reveals about the nature of human wellness and the holistic treatment of individuals?
Philosophically, I believe that much of the "art" that was integral to medicine in its early days has been lost in the 21st century. Over two millennia ago, Hippocrates emphasized that to truly understand a patient and their illness, it was essential to listen and take in the patient’s narrative. This was seen as more important than any other diagnostic tool. Today, however, this narrative is often overshadowed by the extensive technological advancements that allow us to examine the body at microscopic, biochemical, or molecular levels, leaving little room for the art of listening.
To simplify, I would say that the art of medicine can be summarized as a) actively listening to the patient to form an initial picture, b) observing the patient’s posture, behaviour, and lifestyle, c) conducting a thorough physical examination, d) judiciously selecting clinical tests, and e) accompanying the patient through their treatment journey, providing support along the way.
Similarly, the artistic process follows a parallel path: a) the artist listens and seeks inspiration for the initial sketch, b) taps into emotions to express them through their chosen medium (music, painting, writing, etc.), c) selects the right materials and techniques, d) works with those materials, experimenting and refining, and e) presents the final piece to find its space, much like a physician accompanies their patient until they are discharged.
Unlike technique, art is a pure act of creation that relies on intuition, experiential knowledge, and a deeper understanding that transcends scientific data. It is an individual projection of the artist’s inner world. In this sense, medicine can also be seen as an art—every medical decision is original and requires synthesis, the ability to connect symptoms and signs, humility to acknowledge uncertainty and openness to change and help. Medicine, like art, demands patience, the intelligence to prioritize, and the wisdom to filter through the lens of common sense.
Just as an artist uses techniques to create a painting or write a symphony, medicine uses techniques to diagnose and treat. But in both fields, technique is a tool in service of something greater. Artistic creation is the act of bringing something new and original into the world, just as every medical intervention is a unique act of creation, shaped by the physician’s insights and personality.
Uniting art and medicine challenges traditional medical paradigms by reminding us that wellness is not just the absence of disease but the holistic balance of the mind, body, and spirit. Both art and medicine require empathy, intuition, and the ability to connect deeply with individuals, making them kindred disciplines in the service of humanity.
As someone who creates art that is both personal and therapeutic, how do you manage the emotional labor involved in turning personal or patient experiences into art? Is there a particular piece that was more challenging to create due to its emotional weight, and how did you navigate that challenge?
Emotions and feelings are always at the core of creation, and art provides a powerful medium to express and capture those emotions. I’m fortunate that my parents taught me from a young age to talk about my feelings, and when words failed me, art became a space where I could find balance and release. It has always been a sanctuary for processing complex emotions.
As an anesthesiologist specializing in pain management, I’ve had to find a delicate balance between technical precision and emotional insight. Chronic pain is not just physically invasive; it can deeply affect a patient’s emotional well-being. Without addressing the emotional aspects of pain, the healing process becomes longer and more difficult. In a similar way, I use art to reduce stress and express positive emotions, helping me manage my own emotional landscape. Art serves as a therapeutic outlet that allows me to transform stress into something constructive and healing.
Creating art isn’t always easy, especially when it’s deeply personal or connected to the emotional experiences of my patients. There have been pieces that were more challenging to complete due to their emotional weight. When I find myself struggling with a piece, I persist, I start over, again and again until I achieve what I’m aiming for. This persistence is how I navigate the emotional labour involved in creation. Each iteration helps me process emotions a little more, allowing me to move forward.
Ultimately, I believe that to help others, we need to maintain our own mental and emotional balance. For me, this balance is rooted in nature and art. Both provide me with a space for reflection and renewal, which in turn allows me to be more present and empathetic for my patients.
You have mentioned that your art is inspired by nature and travel. How do these elements specifically shape the themes and techniques you choose in your artwork? Could you discuss how a particular landscape or cultural experience has directly influenced a specific artwork, and the process involved in creating it?
My art is profoundly shaped by travel and nature because each journey brings me new colours, experiences, and cultural insights. Travel exposes me to unique forms of artistic expression that are specific to each town, city, and country. Every place I visit whether it’s a bustling city or a quiet village has its own palette of history and culture, and the people I meet along the way enrich my creative side with their stories and perspectives.
Nature, on the other hand, inspires me in a more intimate, observational way. I’m captivated by the different colours, tones, and contrasts that nature offers. Whether it’s the delicate hues of a flower, the subtle variations of green in foliage, or the dynamic interplay between clouds and the sky, nature teaches me to pause and take in the world around me. Each sunset, with its vivid, golden or pink tones, varies depending on the geographical location, and this diversity fuels my creativity.
For me, travel and nature intersect in the way they both offer endless inspiration. The contrast between urban landscapes and natural environments particularly fascinates me. In cities, I’m struck by how people strive to incorporate nature planting trees, cultivating gardens, and adding bursts of colour through flowers to soften the hard, mineral tones of concrete and stone. This juxtaposition of gray urban structures and vibrant natural elements is a recurring theme in my work.
One specific example of this influence was my travels to Mexico and other Latin American countries. The culture there is infused with vibrant colours that seem to brighten the soul. The rich greens of the foliage, the multicoloured flowers, and local crafts is full of life and contrast. I found this explosion of colour deeply inspiring, especially in the smaller, less touristy towns where the white walls of the houses stand in stark contrast to the vivid flowers and greenery. This experience inspired a series of paintings where I explored the relationship between colour and emotion, blending the warmth of Mexico’s natural and cultural landscapes with the human experience.
European cities also inspire me, though in a different way. Places like Paris, with its linear streets, ancient stone walls, and mineral tones, evoke a sense of timelessness. The city’s classic beauty, contrasted with the modern, often rebellious energy of street art, sparks my creativity. The gray skies of Paris, for example, highlight the white stone architecture in a way that adds depth and contrast, which I’ve tried to capture in some of my urban landscape pieces. Italy offers another layer of inspiration with its rich artistic legacy, vibrant colours, and unique contrasts between history and modernity.
Africa has left a deep imprint on my creative process. The raw beauty of its landscapes, the warmth of its people, and the incredible colours of its wildlife, sunrises, and sunsets have inspired me to explore more organic, flowing forms in my artwork.
Perhaps the most unexpected source of inspiration has been Canada, my second home for over 20 years. When I first arrived in Montreal, I had imagined a cold, white, and gray country, but I was immediately struck by the richness of its multiculturalism, the changing seasons, and the vivid colours of nature. The deep blues of the river, the dramatic seasonal shifts, and the vibrant autumn foliage have all played a significant role in shaping my artistic vision. Canadian autumn is unlike anything I’ve seen in Europe, it’s an explosion of intense, vivid colours that fills the soul and provides an endless source of inspiration for my work.
Each of these experiences, whether in Mexico, Latin America, Europe, Africa, or Canada, has profoundly influenced the themes, colours, and techniques I use in my artwork. The landscapes and cultures I’ve encountered not only inspire the subject matter but also shape how I approach each piece, allowing me to infuse my art with the richness and diversity of the world around me.
I could talk for hours about my travels and how they inspire me.
How do you perceive the role of cultural context in the therapeutic effectiveness of art? Are there universal aspects of art that transcend cultural boundaries, or do you find it necessary to tailor your artistic prescriptions to the cultural backgrounds of your patients to enhance their therapeutic impact?
Living in a multicultural city and working as a physician and teaching in a university hospital has given me the privilege of interacting with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Each patient carries a unique history, shaped by their homeland, familial ties, and cultural roots. This diversity of experience is reflected in how they cope with illness and chronic pain, and I’ve found that art can be a powerful tool for helping them express what might be difficult to communicate through words alone.
Art has the remarkable ability to transcend cultural and social boundaries. In my work with the artistic creativity group I founded, I aim to create a space where patients can express their humanity freely, unrestricted by cultural or social limitations. The creative process becomes a universal language, one that allows patients to connect with their inner selves and share that part of themselves with others.
However, while art has universal qualities such as its ability to convey emotion, provide solace, and serve as an outlet for creativity it’s also essential to recognize the individual cultural contexts of each patient. Tailoring the creative process to resonate with a patient's cultural background can enhance the therapeutic impact. For example, I remember a French-Canadian patient, who, despite being physically limited by multiple sclerosis, had a deep desire to create wood sculptures. With the little strength he had left, he managed to carve two beautiful wooden sculptures. This process was freeing for him. It allowed him to realize that, despite his physical limitations, his creative potential was boundless. It helped him better manage his pain, and I still consider one of his sculptures, which he gifted to me, as one of the most meaningful presents I’ve ever received.
Another patient from Bangladesh, who was living with a rare illness and chronic pain, found her artistic expression through sewing. She stitched together pieces of vibrant fabrics, using them to communicate her feelings toward her illness and pain. The colours and textures she chose reflected her emotions and gave her a way to visually express her journey. These experiences show how cultural context can shape the way patients approach art, turning it into a deeply personal therapeutic tool that helps them reclaim some control over their bodies and their emotions.
What makes these artistic expressions so powerful is that they allow patients to transcend their physical or emotional suffering, demonstrating not only their resilience but also their capacity to create something beautiful in the face of adversity. As spectators, we are privileged to witness these transformations, gaining insight into the inner worlds of our patients, which ultimately fosters greater understanding and empathy. This is the profound role that cultural context and art can play in healing.
As a professional straddling the fields of healthcare and art, what ethical considerations do you find most challenging, particularly when it comes to issues such as patient confidentiality, consent, and the portrayal of suffering in your art? How do you ensure that your artistic expressions respect the ethical boundaries of both fields?
Since I am not working as an art therapist and do not use art as therapy, I have no conflict of interest or ethical problem between medicine and art. Because I approach art from a personal and positive perspective rather than directly involving patient experiences.
In my artistic creations, I focus on joyful colours and positive emotions, aiming to evoke pleasant feelings and smiles in those who view them. This approach helps me maintain a clear ethical distinction between my roles as a physician and as an artist, ensuring that patient stories or vulnerabilities remain private and respected.
I am a doctor who, within the context of the human relationship with my patients, seeks to help them explore certain forms of creativity through visual arts, music, writing, reading, etc. I encourage or make an “art prescription” so that patients can have a means, a free space for themselves, to express their feelings whether with loved ones, friends, family, or with the world.
When inviting interested patients to join an artistic creativity group, I do so intend to help them express themselves in a way that feels uplifting. In this context, creativity becomes a form of self-expression, where patients can communicate their emotions or simply find a moment of peace. This non-intrusive approach respects the boundaries of both fields, providing a safe, positive space for self-exploration without compromising their confidentiality or consent.
You have created innovative methods in medical pedagogy that integrate your artistic creativity. Could you elaborate on how these creative approaches have transformed traditional methods of medical education? What impact have these innovations had on your peers and patients, and are there specific examples you can share that highlight these changes?
I have always enjoyed and been passionate about going beyond classical teaching frameworks to expose medical students and physicians studying their specialty to more than just science beyond physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and core medical techniques. This drive led me to create innovative teaching methods that integrate technology with artistic creativity, including high-tech robotic simulators and actor patients in simulated scenarios. By crafting these realistic medical situations, we provide students and practicing physicians with immersive, hands-on experiences that prepare them to handle complex and often high-stakes medical challenges with confidence.
These creative approaches have fostered a transformation in how medical professionals view and practice patient care. By emphasizing both the technical and human aspects of medicine, these methods have led to a more empathetic approach to treating patients with chronic pain. Science and human connection come together in this model, and this shift has had a positive impact on both my peers and patients.
For example, therapeutic education groups and an artistic creativity group for patients have allowed them to engage actively in their own care. These groups not only help patients understand their chronic conditions better but also empower them to manage their illnesses more effectively. Patients often find greater ease in adhering to treatment plans and making lifestyle adjustments, as they gain a sense of control and understanding over their condition. This approach ultimately helps them live more comfortably and positively with chronic pain. Integrating creativity in this way has made a tangible difference both in how healthcare is delivered and in the overall well-being of patients and practitioners alike.
Looking ahead, what new intersections between art and medicine are you hoping to explore? Are there specific projects, technologies, or collaborative endeavors that you are particularly excited about initiating, and what potential do they hold for the future of art therapy and medical practice?
Looking ahead, I’m eager to explore innovative collaborations between art and medicine that can deepen our understanding of the healing process. One of my primary goals is to partner with various art museums and patient groups with chronic conditions who could greatly benefit from direct engagement with artworks. I’m currently in discussions with the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and this potential collaboration excites me immensely.
I firmly believe that art, in all its diverse forms, is an integral aspect of the human experience. My approach to medicine has always been holistic, viewing individuals as more than just their anatomical and physiological components. Emotions and feelings are just as vital to our well-being. This balance between body and soul is essential, and within this holistic framework, art and creativity play a pivotal role. By fostering a deeper connection between art and healing, we can create environments that nurture emotional well-being and facilitate communication, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. I’m excited about the possibilities these intersections present, and I look forward to contributing to this evolving dialogue between art and medicine.
Throughout your career, how has your engagement with art helped you cope with the stresses and demands of the medical profession? Can you share how art has provided you with resilience tools that might be particularly useful for healthcare professionals facing similar challenges?
Throughout my personal and professional life, art has been an invaluable source of joy and empathy, helping me navigate the many challenges I’ve faced. Engaging in creative expression whether through sculpture or painting provides me with a unique outlet for my feelings and emotions. The beginning of the creative process is particularly exhilarating; it allows me to manifest ideas that only existed in my imagination into something tangible. This transformation fills me with a profound sense of joy and accomplishment.
Moreover, I’ve found that maintaining inner peace through art significantly enhances my ability to serve others. When I am grounded and centred, I can offer my best self to those I work with, including my patients. The well-being I derive from my artistic pursuits enables me to create a positive, nurturing environment in my medical practice.
For healthcare professionals facing similar stresses and demands, I believe that integrating art into their lives can serve as an essential resilience tool. Artistic expression can provide a much-needed escape, foster self-reflection, and help process the emotional weight of our work. There are many health professionals who have an important artistic side, some of then play music, dancing, sing writing and practices plastic arts. Ultimately, embracing art not only enriches our personal lives but also enhances our capacity to care for others, making it a vital practice in the demanding field of medicine.
What legacy do you hope to leave in the realms of art and medicine? What advice would you offer to upcoming artists and healthcare providers who wish to integrate art therapy into their practice? How can they prepare for the challenges and opportunities that this integration presents?
As I have mentioned before, I am not an art therapist, but I see myself as a creative individual who believes deeply in the intrinsic connection between art and science, united by a shared path of discovery. Artists and scientists alike work with systematic rigour and creativity, building knowledge and understanding through artistic expression or scientific endeavour.
The legacy I hope to leave is one of igniting both scientific and artistic curiosity in my colleagues and patients. In medicine, I feel that I’ve contributed to this through the articles and books I’ve written, sharing insights and encouraging scientific research. In my artistic career, my greatest legacy would be the smiles and emotions my work evokes in those who see or own my pieces a reminder of the power of creativity to bring joy and reflection.
The best advice I can give is to never give up on one’s dreams. Working toward them is essential, and there will always be challenges to face and obstacles to overcome along the way. It's important to learn to take positive lessons from each experience and challenge and to understand that opportunities don’t just come they need to be sought. One must set clear goals and always reserve personal spaces to freely express emotions and release stress
Pursuing your dreams requires dedication and resilience, as challenges and obstacles are inevitable. Every experience, especially those that test you, can offer valuable lessons if you approach them with an open mind. Seek out opportunities actively, as they rarely present themselves on their own. Set clear goals, and always make room for personal expression to manage stress and freely explore your emotions.
I believe that integrating art into healthcare offers unique opportunities, but it also demands sensitivity, empathy, and an understanding of ethical boundaries. Embrace both fields with respect for their complexity and allow creativity to enhance your understanding of the human experience. By doing so, you’ll be well-prepared to make a meaningful impact on the lives of your patients and your own personal journey.
