A response to Denise (again)

Once again, I find myself answering one of Denise's questions. Her most recent question: 'If an artist is unwilling to express [a] point of view, regardless of it's popularity, is he or she really an artist?' Is fairly easy to answer. Yes.  An artists opinions or beliefs should have no influence on whether or not someone should be deemed an artist or not.  Someone who has horrible beliefs can still paint amazing things, although I would like to say that the beliefs one holds do influence the subjects one uses when creating a piece. For example, if one man believes mankind is inherently evil, he will be more likely create art on the monstrosity that is mankind. Same with the opposite.  If beliefs influence the Theme of the art, what would influence an artists artistic style?