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.
I subscribe to Alyson Stanfield's Art Biz Blog and today's question was "How much affect do circumstance and location have on the type of art you make and the way in which you make it?"
What are your thoughts on the topic? And if you do not already subscribe to Alyson's blog, you should. The topics and writings have really been helpful to me. I am sure you will find something of interest there, too. http://www.artbizblog.com/
Below is my response.
I have had both large and small studio spaces. Never a room actually built as a studio, but one I have reserved as "my space" for creating. Right now "my space" has spread to the entire house much to my husband's dismay and need for order.
So I would have to say that my studio is wherever I am at the moment with art supplies and ideas on hand. What affects me more is my mood and energy levels which unfortunately swing from one extreme to the other at times. I have been reading a lot lately about how clutter and disorganization affect you so maybe getting a studio large enough and dedicating it to my work would make be produce more often. (Another big challenge as I still have to have a alternate job to pay the bills, which is probably another obstacle since it is also a creative job and drains my brain every day, but that is another story.)
Environment does play a part in creativity mainly because of the local market. But I try not to get wrapped up in making art for someone else since that is what I do to earn money (graphic design) while I am trying to transition to my real job (painting & mixed media). And of course, money always plays a part. Having become accustomed to a rather nice lifestyle, letting go of the perks is really quite frightening. It is a huge catch 22. And very frustrating, as all I really want to do is paint, read and just enjoy the beautiful world around me.