I see people are chosing as examples internationally famous artists. That's part of the picture. But, not all artistry leads to such a high level of recognition or success. I consider Mississippi John Hurt a fine artist... not trying to arrange artists in Great/Near Great/Pretty Darned Good/Not half Bad/Passable levels. If you're talking about the artistic temperament, seems like you should look at the full spectrum. The self-destructive ones get all the press, just as car accidents are more likely to make the front page than a group of teenagers helping an elderly neighbor who is down on his luck.

I do believe that in some cases, the artistic (or Creative) temperament can be a saving grace, allowing a positive outlet for emotions that might otherwise be expressed in a much more destructive way.

Years ago, after struggling through a horrific marriage and long divorce and many other debilitating problems, I finally found my way forward, met a beautiful woman and married her. A friend of mine said that I wouldn't be able to write songs any more if I was happy.
I figured I risk it, though. Turns out, I write as many songs happy as I do depressed. They're just different songs. Art can be created out of joy, as much as self-destructiveness.

Just doesn't make very good "press."

Jerry