Here is my comment to that:When you made the choice to become an artist, you committed yourself to a life of solitary confinement. That is, if you plan on being successful.
I wouldn't exactly call it solitude but there is a significant amount of alone time in my mind required to be my creative best. Having worked the past 30 some odd years in the advertising/marketing/graphic design industry, I have learned to be creative in a bustling group situation. It is exhausting, yet exhilarating at the same time.
The little free time I have is divided between time with my understanding husband, my son, our 2 dogs, my friends, my art associations and my artwork, leaving little time for true solitude. Fortunately, I have learned to turn inward for quiet contemplation in small spurts or there would be no painting. Those special times when pure solitude is present are precious and result in all sorts of discoveries whether about my art or myself. And while I would love more time alone, I could never thrive without the interaction of others in my world.
What's more is that a lot of my work is inspired by the things people do or do not do. They make me think, laugh, get angry, among other things. As John Donne said, "No man is an island," we need one another so much more than we let on. Too much solitude would be shear pain, for each of us longs for at least a moment of recognition and the love and touch of another. God did not create us to live in solitude, but does ask that we spend time in quiet to hear the small voice that will guide our spirit to find its purpose.
