I think there is an element of nihilism about, but I don't think most artists feel their work is meaningless.
“The time when most of you should withdraw into yourself is when you are forced to be in a crowd.”
“Of course a poem is a two-way street. No poem is any good if it doesn't suggest to the reader things from his own mind and recollection that he will read into it, and will add to what the poet has suggested. But I do think poetry readings are very important.”