Is team up an option?

Is team up an option?

I am software dev for 6-7 years, and now want to try indie game development. So I need 2d artist, but I don't want just employee, I want team up with person. The idea was to discuss the ideas and solve some problems together(like write to twitter, find sound and look for publisher).

I don't want to describe all my tries, but I can't find that kind of man in my city. I think in my location there aren't artist that fit. Looks like money is а common problem. I have some money to pay, and it's enough for living in my country, but it's much less then designer can make if he work of US or Europe customers. So people have jobs and don't want to experiment or this is just students and they do nothing, even if they promise.

So I wondering: is that an option at all? Is it possible to find guy like that. Who just want to create game, because I want. And if it is possible can someone give me any advice or other instructions. Or may be it's more easy finish all coding and then hire freelancer for full price?