If you want to live your life in a creative way, as an artist, you have to not look back too much. You have to be willing to take whatever you've done and whoever you were and throw them away. The more the outside world tries to reinforce an image of you, the harder it is to continue to be an artist, which is why a lot of times, artists have to say, "Bye. I have to go. I'm going crazy and I'm getting out of here." And they go and hibernate somewhere. Maybe later they re-emerge a little differently
To live a creatively fulfilling life as an artist, one must focus on the present and future rather than dwelling on the past. Embracing change means being ready to discard previous identities and works. The pressure from society to conform to a certain image can hinder artistic expression, making it essential for artists to escape and find solitude when feeling overwhelmed.
This need for retreat allows artists to reflect and evolve, often returning with fresh perspectives and renewed creativity. The transformation that comes from stepping away can lead to a deeper understanding of their art and themselves, promoting authentic self-expression.