Crossword Genius

The lathe operator is an artist (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

turner

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'artist' is the definition.
(painter JMW Turner)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for turner that I've seen before include "Painter of The Fighting Temeraire" , "Lathe worker; a water-colourist" , "revolutionary type?" , "craftsperson" , "Painter of seascapes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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