From what I understand, it is common for people to think about not taking meds because they feel like they would lose that sense of creative inspiration that comes from the high of mania, not to mention the general feeling of fabulousness. I have said to my self when manic, "I wish I could feel like this EVERY DAY!"
But the crash afterward always makes me realize that my down is not worth the up, and if I were more balanced it would actually be easier for me to complete the projects I start. I can be really enthused about a project or idea when I'm manic which will be tossed aside when I crash and may never be finished. I also tend to take on too much when I'm up, which also keeps me from finishing what I start. Especially for an artist, one feels that they may not be able to express them selves as creatively, that they may lose they spark, as you say.
But wouldn't you rather have the focus afforded by emotional stability, and continue to pursue your creative passions without fear of a downhill slide that will take you away from your art, not to mention a stable lifestyle?
I understand what you are going through because I've had those same thoughts, and for me, right now strugling to get treatment, I'd rather risk losing my all night painting and writing expeditions for a manageable lifestyle, and continue to pursue my creativity in a healthy way. I may even get more accompllished.
I thought I could deal with it without meds and for years now I've been self medicating and destructing, even now that I understand what's happening, and I'm in a heap of trouble trying to get help because of the way I've dealt with it in the past. Because I decided I could handle it my self, I'm now stuck without help. I, and the people close to me, now recognize the behaviour and moods associated with bipolar, and it helps me to realize when I've done something wrong and fix it ASAP, or remind my self that I'm high or low and it will pass and I need to wait it out without acting destructively to my self. But it doesn't end there.
Another reason for treatment is that it's kind of unfair to those around you, in a way. I can't speak for anyone else, but part of my reason for seeking treatment is that I realize how hard it is to be around me sometimes. When I'm high I can run people ragged and make them feel terrible. When I'm low I can bring them down and wear them out. I don't want to do that to the people I love, which is why I'm trying to get help. Your parents must have gone through an awful lot watching you self destruct before you understood what was happening to your self. My poor room mate understands when I'm running him around the apartment with a mop and organizing his dresser drawers. He knows why it's happening. It ALMOST excuses my behaviour. But it doesn't mean I don't have to appologize when he's fed up with my bad attitude because I'm Miss World. Now that you know, you know what to expect and your parents know what to expect, and that makes it a lot easier for you to monitor. But it is still an illness that can be treated, and no amount of willpower or self control can change the way it makes you feel. The only control you've got, if you are lucky, is your actions in response to the symptoms of the illness. I had to admit it was beyond my control in order to seek help.
You mention the list of famous people who are/were bipolar. I was just thinking about that today, how many artists we have lost because they were untreated, and what a contibution they could have continued to make if only they had lived through that last crash.