24 hours in a day, 365 days in a year, Russ.

Surely a LITTLE of that can be spared to do something for 'art's sake' with no commercial consideration at all?

If it IS that important, making the time is a way to reclaim your soul. Next time you have a good session rhythm section in the studio, take ten minutes of their time and lay down a few grooves, find a core group of players you WANT to explore with, and have at it! It will make their day, and make them WANT to come back and work on it again! (You might get a price break next time... )