It's been a long-standing idea of mine that the label "artist" must not be applied solely to those who paint or draw. Art is a concept so encompassing that, indeed, it would be silly to do so. Is a writer not an artist? Is a singer not? Is a sculptor not? And that's not getting into the fact that "art" means "a craft", not just "a craft which produces a result that's sensually-pleasing to most people"... I have nothing against painters or drawers (I see how goofy this word look in the context, and I present no alternative). It seems important to me to label things in a way they're due.
My grandmother hooks rugs. She's an awesome artist. Art is expression and it comes in many forms, no doubt. I'm just looking for someone to collaborate with on some visual art.
I'm pretty sure it will be alright. I don't think anyone here is going to think that I don't consider writers or others artists. Your "realization" is pretty much the common understanding. Cheers!