Creativity...A Form of Insanity?

I heard something the other day about the act of creativity being a form of insanity. I was intrigued by the comparison and decided to share my thoughts with you all.

Surely, each of us, as artists, have felt out of the mainstream at times haven't we? I mean I know I have for most of my life felt as if I were IN this world, but not necessarily OF it, y'know?

Now, let's dissect this theory. The word "insanity" is defined as not being aware of or living in reality! And "Reality" is defined as Agreement in most dictionaries. (You know! If 10 million people agree that the wall is white, then it's white - even if it's actually green or blue.) So what does this mean?

If I would rather play the piano and write music in my room than go to the mall and spend money on frivolous stuff that I don't need, does this mean I'm insane? After all, the whole world loves to shop, right? So the fact that I despise it could mean that I don't live in reality, doesn't it?

Well, Of course, I don't think I'm insane! Here's what I think. Reality is the Physical Universe, complete with time and space, and the 5 senses. The artistic endeavor very often transcends the physical universe AND the senses, revealing something else - another deeper sense. You can decide to practice a song, or write one, or arrange one, (as I often do for my singers), and as I engage in this activity, TIME and SPACE literally go away. There is no hunger or thirst, no awareness of noise, or smells, or sights, no desire for anything except the completion of what I am engaged in artistically. The creative process is other worldly and thus, out of the realm of reality, or what most mortals think of as reality.

Okay, so what's you take on this? Will you join me in being one of the "insane" ones? Or have you both feet solidly on the ground? Well, there's another discussion altogether, isn't there? Can you be solidly on the ground and still be creative? Let's talk!