WR, people often turn to astrology at a low point in their lives, when they've given up on conventional solutions.
This happened to me during a difficult Pluto square sun transit. I strongly felt that psychology, religion, and self-help/human potential programs weren't going to explain why I was on the planet. Not "I" as a generic one-size-fits-all human being, but "I" as a particular individual.
There is a big danger, however, in reading really negative astrological material, and then seeing yourself in that negative light. Please consider that most people don't even believe in astrology, so we should question how much sense it makes to adopt negative interpretations that might not even be correct. I really dislike the Doctor Doom school of astrology, that seems dedicated to making people feel miserable about themselves. Nobody benefits from that stuff.
Too often people with self-esteem problems focus on astrology to feel even more miserable about themselves. To that I say, "Enough, already!" This isn't astrology's promise, just to make people feel rotten.
In the choice-centered astrology I practice, one's planetary placements give certain parameters, in the same way a river flows between its banks. But within those parameters most people have a lot of choices. Each planet, sign, and house has multiple interpretations that are all consistent with its core meanings.
Unless we're people with serious health disabilities or horrible personal circumstances, most of us can distinguish between empowering and disempowering chart interpretations, and then choose the empowering ones.
If we take the 12th house shut-in example, some people thrive on privacy and the ability to control their own space. Some people become health care professionals who work with patients who are hospitalized or in care facilities (nursing homes.) Some people volunteer in prisons. Some people voluntarily take religious orders and live in monasteries. Most 12th house people just need a certain amount of down-time on their own, to recharge their batteries. 12th house people often enjoy working behind the scenes. The 12th house also rules large animals.
Yes, of course, a Pisces Mars could take up some other activity. Maybe by becoming an activist (Mars) on behalf of misfortunate people (Pisces,) or an activist (Mars) on behalf of marine mammal conservation. Play around with the core meanings of planets, signs, and houses.
Again, I strongly recommend Steven Forrest, The Inner Sky. He talks about planet, signs, and houses having evolutionary goals, or "end points." It's available in paperback or on Kindle.
As an Aquarian sun conjunct Uranus, you really need to be your own person. (I have sun in Aquarius trine Uranus.)
At the same time, if we go down that "Me" road too strenuously, we can turn off our friends and family; and wind up-- not merely alone-- but lonely and alienated. So instead, here we can draw upon the talents of some of our other planets. For example, a Pisces moon can be sensitive to others' needs. Its endpoint is a greater acceptance of humanity. Chiron shows us "where it hurts," but also where, if we stay open to those hurts, we gain in wisdom and compassion for other people.
I can't speak for your art professors, obviously, but sometimes their assignments are very specific. The grading goes by how well the student masters the assignment that was given: not the assignment the student wished for. In an introductory class, the profs would probably start with simple assignments designed to develop specific skills and concepts. The great majority of artists benefit from formal training. Basic stuff like drawing the human figure, color theory, composition, and perspective.
Use your Venus-Saturn mutual reception to apply some discipline (Saturn) to your artistic creativity (Venus.) Venus rules the arts and she's in your 10th house of career and public reputation.
Your sun also sextiles Pluto. Sun-Pluto people are often very ambitious.
Best wishes for your journey, W.