Crossword Genius

My word accepted by artist and Gauguin’s inspiration? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tahitian

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'gauguin's inspiration?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'my word accepted by artist' is the wordplay.
'my word' becomes 'ah' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'accepted by' means one lot of letters goes inside another (inserted letters are accepted).
'artist' becomes 'Titian' (a6th-century painter).
'ah' put into 'titian' is 'TAHITIAN'.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tahitian that I've seen before include "South Sea islander" , "Pacific islander" , "It, in a hat (anag)" , "Polynesian islander" , "Native of South Pacific island, capital Papeete" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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