Vidya Shyamsundar
Vidya Shyamsundar is a self-taught artist and educator whose abstract, symbolic mixed-media paintings explore themes of spirituality and mindfulness. Born and raised in southern India, she has called the United States home for over two decades and currently works from her art studio in Norwood, Massachusetts.
Inspired by her mother’s ritual of creating rice flour mandalas at sunrise, Vidya’s work reflects the harmony and rhythm we seek in everyday life, our shared connections, and the impermanence of existence. Through spontaneous mark-making and the layering of collage, paint, textures, words, and symbolism, she transforms inner chaos into calm, honoring the present moment with gratitude and grace.
In a world filled with distractions, technological dependence, and competing responsibilities, Vidya believes in the importance of retreat and self-nurturing as sources of hope and healing. Her creative practice offers a contemplative space that invites stillness, reflection, and connection.
Vidya exhibits her work in art galleries and open studio tours, leads retreat-style art classes at yoga studios and local art centers, and offers private art retreats. She also creates commissioned mandala murals and paintings. Her art was featured on *Albie’s Elevator*—a WHYY-PBS Kids television series—in the *Box Town* episode that aired in summer 2023.
Beyond her studio, Vidya enjoys organizing, decorating, learning Sanskrit, listening to art podcasts, and exploring nature through walks and hikes. With a background in Economics and Finance, she transitioned from her professional career to focus on creating and exhibiting art since 2015. For Vidya, art is more than a creative pursuit—it is a path to self-discovery, gratitude, and understanding, and a way to embrace life’s mystery with reverence and curiosity.