The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word TURNER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
T
U
R
N
E
R
More clues leading to the result TURNER
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Artist" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case artist = turner.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TURNER mean?
TURNER noun- One who or that which turns.
- A person who turns and shapes wood etc. on a lathe
- A kitchen utensil used for turning food.
- A variety of pigeon; a tumbler.
- A very dry pitch on which the ball will turn with ease.
- An acrobat or gymnast especially a member of the German Turnvereine, German-American gymnastic clubs that also served as nationalist political groups.
- A person who practices athletic or gymnastic exercises.
- An old Scottish copper coin worth two pence, issued by King James VI.