Art Monsters and the Balance of Genius: The Quest for Creative Life with Women Among Monuments Author Kasia Van Schaik

In this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Kasia Van Schaik, a writer, professor, and artist, discusses the central themes of her book/memoir “Women among Monuments: Solitude, Permission, and the Pursuit of Female Genius.” We explore what it means to live a creative life, especially as a woman, and the ongoing search for permission both societal and self-given to pursue artistic fulfillment. We touch on the historical invisibility of women among cultural “monuments,” referencing literary figures like Virginia Woolf, which highlights the persistent relevance of these questions today. We also delve into the concept of the “art monster” - artists who prioritize their work above all else, sometimes at the expense of others - and examine the tension between creative ambition and personal happiness. Kasia reflects on the importance of balancing solitude and community for creativity, the role of memory and memoir in shaping narrative, and the evolving language around gender and genius. We conclude with insights on self-permission, the value of boundaries, and the subjective nature of genius, encouraging everyone to embrace their creative impulses without waiting for external validation and to follow their heart and dreams regardless.