what does it mean to be a tortured artist?

Question

and why are some artists...van goh, judy garland, kirt cobain etcc...
tortured and others arent.

Answer 1

I think it comes from their deep need to express something in particular, something they haven't really defined themselves completely, therefore it's agony trying to put it into words, on canvas, into music. They know exactly what they're after in some way, but feel like they're on a roundabout way instead of straight to the meat of the matter. My own tortured definition.

Answer 2

Artists are trying to access something inside that most people do not. Trying to find what it is they are trying to access is not pleasant if:

1) You have no money.
2) You do not know where your ability lies
3) Nobody really cares what you have to say if you are not famous or praised by the cognoscenti.

But, when an artist finds his "voice" he then must struggle to master the art form he has chosen to work in, which can also be a long, unsatisfying experience especially if:

1) No one thinks you're good enough to pay you
2) You work a second job in order to pay the bills
3) You know you may fail and all your work and the time spent on it may be in vain.

Answer 3

Same reason non-artists are either tortured or not.

Answer 4

I guess melodramatic?