I don't necessarily see it as angst. He didn't want it enough to keep at it. We're maybe taught to see that as a failure, but it can be a liberating realization.

I went to art school. I would not recommend most arts to anyone who can bear doing something different. You will likely sacrifice most of what people consider a normal life to be an artist. If you don't want it so bad you have no choice, you can have a very nice life. "Wanting it" can be a burden.