It's too bad you don't know any artists. You must be one of the boring people mentioned above. I know many - few have any money, but they live rich, interesting lives outside of the status quo.

It's not a black or white sort of thing. Living as an artist isn't necessarily better.

It's a question of how much is it worth to you, and are you willing to pay the cost? Are you willing to suffer for years to make it and actually produce worthwhile art?

Some have the creative drive to the point where it's their only option. Others could take it or leave it.

Frankly, I used to try to look interesting and found it's far better to look boring and do what makes me happy. But that's just what works for me.

Never forget that we're all different people with somewhat different needs.

David Berman of the Silver Jews (may he rest in peace) wrote the following about the artistic struggle: "If we'd known what it would cost to get here, would we have chosen to?"

I've known many artists, liked lots of them. Doesn't mean they're generally revered, lol.

What do they eat and do they have a shelter?

or just that we remember the ones who succeeded and forgot all the others