For some reason the assumption of artists is that they are separate from society and must work alone. This could not be further from the truth. Yes, sometimes separation is necessary, but it is this very "society" that inspires artists to create. Even Henry David Thoreau escaped the social world only to write about it in his book Walden. Whether someone is constantly trying to be with people or avoid people, they are inspired by those very people. At the heart, artists create a form of life, and in that endeavor, one must understand life.
There are "solo artists," but are they really "solo"? They have people who help record their songs, play with them, and sell their work. They need a partnership.
Whether or not you realize it, you need people. Even if you do not believe anything that was said above, there is still one other relationship that sparks creativity. The unseen spectator known as the audience. Their part is not a passive one; it is active. They bring "the work in contact with the external world by deciphering and interpreting its inner qualifications and thus add their contribution to the creative act," as Marcel Duchamp says. As an artist, you raise questions, and questions are meant to be answered. That is the audience's job. They are your collaborators, and you need them as much as they need you. It is a beautiful partnership. Human beings are relationship-driven, so why can't art be?
You weren't meant to be alone.
Cole Porter had Linda Lee Thomas. Picasso had Adriana. Robert Frost had Elinor Frost.
Find someone who understands your blend of tortured joy in creating art and do not ever let them go.
They are your muse.
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