Strong desire with artist returning for sculpture (7)
I believe the answer is:
carving
'for sculpture' is the definition.
(synonyms)
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for carving that I've seen before include "Sculpting" , "Slicing meat" , "Sculpture" , "Cutting (a joint)" , "Cutting wood or meat" .)