(Nothing philosophical here, just my view of the visual work I do.) Finding the meaning of a painting is the viewer's job, not mine.
I try to temper my tendency to control with a little wild abandon, and let the viewers eye fill in the details. My goal is simple - to capture your curiosity, bring you closer, and reward you for taking the time to look.
Sometimes I must destroy my work. Sorry! I have to. Big bonfire! (That would feel so good right now.)
I define my own successes and failures, all-powerful in my own small world. That is the fun stuff.
My purpose, my addiction, the definition of who I am. This is my real job.