Interview
Grisell Vargas
Grisell Vargas is a Venezuelan-Canadian contemporary artist whose work bridges science, emotion, and imagination. Originally from Venezuela, she has lived in Canada for over two decades and spent five formative years in France—experiences that deeply inform her multicultural and multidisciplinary approach to art. Before fully dedicating herself to her artistic practice, Grisell had a distinguished career as a physician specializing in pain management. An award-winning medical professional, she authored three books and over sixty articles and developed pedagogical innovative tools for both patients and clinicians. In 2010, she founded a artistic creativity group for patients with chronic pain patients —an initiative that reflects her belief that healing can happen through creation as much as through science. Her formal journey in the arts began at the Rafael Monasterio School of Plastic Arts in Maracay, Venezuela, and has since expanded through years of personal study and exploration. She works across painting, sculpture, and drawing, often fusing abstraction and symbolism to evoke the body, memory, and the inner world.
Her creative process is guided by emotion and intuition, each gesture on the canvas echoing personal narratives and universal human experiences. Now transitioning into a full-time artistic practice, Grisell embraces art as her primary language of connection. Just as she once offered care through medicine, she now seeks to spark reflection, emotion, and joy through visual expression. Her work invites viewers into a space where vulnerability and imagination coexist—where art becomes not just something to look at, but something to feel. On Instagram, she shares her work under the artistic name Neuron Art GV—a name that embodies the union of her two lifelong passions: science (represented by “neuron”) and the fine arts, particularly painting and sculpture.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My name is Grisell Vargas, but as an artist, I go by Neuron Art GV—a name that beautifully unites my scientific background with my artistic passion. I am a physician specializing in chronic pain management, and simultaneously a devoted visual artist. To me, medicine and art are two sides of the same coin—both seek to heal, understand, and give meaning to the human experience. I started my artistic journey at the Rafael Monasterio School of Plastic Arts in Maracay, Venezuela, my homeland. What began as a personal exploration soon blossomed into a deep passion. For me, creating art is a liberation of my professional emotions and experiences—a way to process and release what I encounter in medicine. My works are colorful and vibrant because I want to transmit joy, hope, and positivity through my art. In 2010, I founded an artistic creativity group for patients living with chronic pain—a project born from the belief that art can be a powerful source of healing and hope. This experience has profoundly shaped my understanding of creativity as a bridge between suffering and resilience. Today, I am gradually embracing my identity as a full-time artist, channeling the same compassion I bring to medicine into every brushstroke and sculpture.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My art is deeply inspired by nature, museums, and the experience of exhibitions—all sources that ignite my creativity and sense of wonder. At its core, my work carries a social message of optimism and joy, even in the face of suffering. I believe in the power of beauty to uplift and transform, and I strive to reflect that in every piece I create. While my work does not explicitly tackle political issues, it addresses universal human experiences—resilience, hope, and the search for meaning. Through vibrant colors and dynamic forms, I invite viewers to find beauty amidst struggle and to embrace a positive outlook on life. In a world often marked by pain and challenges, my art is a celebration of light, healing, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“My creative process begins with inspiration—an idea that gradually takes shape in my mind. Once I have this initial vision, I start pouring it onto a medium, whether it’s a canvas or a sculpture. I usually create a preliminary sketch to guide me, but interestingly, about 60% of the time, the final piece ends up being quite different from both the original idea and the initial sketch. For me, this evolution is a vital part of the artistic journey. I allow the work to breathe and develop organically, embracing the surprises and shifts that happen along the way. It’s a beautiful balance between intention and improvisation, where the process itself becomes as meaningful as the final outcome.”
“My art is deeply inspired by nature, museums, and the experience of exhibitions—all sources that ignite my creativity and sense of wonder.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“As an artist, I don’t subscribe to current trends or fashions in the art world. My creative process is guided by my emotions and personal experiences, which I translate directly onto canvas or into sculpture. What matters most to me is the emotional resonance my work creates with viewers—the feelings and connections sparked when someone engages with my art. In today’s fast-paced art market of 2025, following trends might offer greater commercial success, but I believe art’s true power lies beyond market dynamics. Art is, fundamentally, a window into the artist’s soul—a unique, timeless expression that cannot be shaped by fleeting fashions. For me, authenticity and emotional honesty are paramount. I prefer to create from a place of genuine feeling, allowing my work to reflect my inner world rather than external trends. This approach ensures that my art remains meaningful, personal, and true.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“My creative process always starts with an idea, but the materials I choose come naturally, guided by my inspiration in the moment. I love to explore textures and experiment with different combinations—sometimes cardboard, wood, or plaster mixed with polymer resin. I also blend acrylic and oil paints, letting the materials speak to me as I work. For me, any material has the potential to become art when imagination and heart come together. The true magic lies in the emotion and love I pour into every brushstroke and every gesture. It’s this deep connection that makes each piece come alive and hold meaning beyond the surface.”
What does your art mean to you?
“Art is my refuge and my voice—an escape where I connect deeply with my emotions and the world around me. Inspired by the beauty and complexity of nature, I find in art a way to express feelings that words cannot capture. Creating allows me to translate the rhythm of life—the colors of a sunset, the textures of leaves, the quiet strength of a tree—into emotions and stories on canvas or sculpture. For me, art is a form of communication beyond language, a way to speak from the heart and share a piece of my inner world. It’s both a personal journey and an invitation for others to feel, reflect, and connect with their own experiences. In every brushstroke and form, I seek to convey the healing power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit, turning intangible emotions into something visible and shared. Creating art is like a conversation with myself and with the universe. It allows me to express what words cannot: the complexities of joy, pain, hope, and healing. Every brushstroke or sculpted form holds a piece of my inner world—a vulnerable offering that invites others to see and feel beyond the surface. For me, art is not just creation; it is an intimate dialogue, a healing journey, and a way to share the beauty and resilience I find in both nature and the human spirit.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“My favorite artworks are my series of sculptures that breathe life into a single drop of water. I have always been fascinated by the drop of water because it can merge effortlessly with different environments—it travels through nature, flows through cities, and yet it always preserves its essence. Its transparency inspires me deeply, while its subtle blue tones transport me to my favorite seas—the Caribbean and the Mediterranean—which have long been a wellspring of inspiration for my work. The ‘urban drop,’ on the other hand, guides me through concrete forests and the world of ephemeral artists who strive to bring color and life to cities through street art. In these sculptures, I seek to capture the fleeting moment when stillness and motion merge, when light dances across a shimmering surface. They embody the quiet strength of nature’s simplest elements and invite the viewer to pause, reflect, and find wonder in the small, often overlooked miracles around us. Each drop tells a story of resilience, renewal, and the deep currents that flow beneath the surface of our existence. Through this series, I hope to evoke a sense of awe and connection, reminding us that beauty and meaning can be found even in the smallest fragments of the world.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Although I am a Canadian artist, most of my exhibitions have taken place in Europe. One of the most energizing experiences was my exhibition in Madrid. It coincided with the vibrant popular celebrations in the Murcia region of Spain, whose joyful colors and lively atmosphere added an unforgettable dimension to the event. Sharing this experience with artists from different nationalities also brought an exceptional sense of conviviality and cultural exchange that enriched the entire exhibition. Additionally, having friends travel to attend the show made the occasion even more special, adding warmth and shared enthusiasm. This blend of cultural vibrancy, personal connection, and artistic dialogue created a truly memorable moment in my journey as an artist.”
Website: www.neuronartgv.com
Instagram: @NeuronArtGV
