No matter how creative a person is, they are simply building upon the work of others either by influence, tools, inspiration, cooperation or downright theft. There is no such thing as a truly original work and if any artist would stop 'creating' because they were no longer remunerated for it, they DO NOT have their heart or mind in the right place.
Like a lot of jobs these days, artists do not produce anything that is absolutely necessary to life, and while I most certainly believe that very talented artists should gain recognition, I do not think that money is the only/best form of recognition.
I am an artist and I create because I love, not because I want money. I find it extremely self-centered of people to claim "this is mine, you have to PAY to experience it", when the cost of sharing the material is insignificant. Any real artist would simply love to have their work appreciated.