Persistence and love of one's work is the key.

Obsessive devotion to creating can spark that which is called 'genius.' Smarter or more gifted? The 'madness' is the insatiable drive to discover, achieve and create. Monomania can develop into 'genius,' as the individual delves deeper into the process leaving normal parameters behind.

Artists make art... everyone else talks about it.

Coping with rejection is an important skill to learn and understand when navigating the Art World. Rejection and disinterest is the rule, not the exception.

Many people can reach for and achieve excellence. To do this consistently is what separates masters and geniuses from everyone else.

I work without commercial considerations.

Success for an artist is completed work. Very successful artists complete a lot of work. It's that simple.