If it's not conscious, it isn't a distraction. Also, not all artists work in quiet rooms. For example, Basquiat had the news on, music, movies, etc while paint

If it's not conscious, it isn't a distraction. Also, not all artists work in quiet rooms. For example, Basquiat had the news on, music, movies, etc while painting and Stephen gave up on looking for a quiet room and so wrote Carrie with a desk in the living room and two small children to help take care of. There is no connection between thought and silence except in folklore, really.