20+ years ago I came across the concept of the "flow state", definition from wikipedia: In positive psychology, a flow state, also known colloquially as being in the zone, is the mental state in which a person performing some activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. In essence, flow is characterized by the complete absorption in what one does, and a resulting transformation in one's sense of time. Named by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi in 1975, the concept has been widely referred to flow state across a variety of fields (and is particularly well recognized in occupational therapy), though the concept has been claimed to have existed for thousands of years under other names.
This may be what you are unable to put words to, Odie, although I'm not sure you are attempting to communicate about state of mind or exceptional work. Anyone can achieve a "flow state", and not produce anything exceptional or even average - the skills and/or ability may not be there, and no amount of perseverance will turn some into exceptional performers at a given thing. The exceptional can produce exceptional work rather easily within a given area, but may be near useless in other areas. While there may be some artistry in all of us, God didn't hand it out equally, just as He didn't hand out the ability to make millions playing football on Sunday to everyone. Yes, there is a factor of "God given talent", it's not the same level for all in all things.
If the end game is "art", the artist has a rather large head start vs those who never studied or practiced in the field, and who may not have much talent to offer in the "art" world. If the measure is knowledge of turning and capability to accomplish many things with a lathe and tools, it could likely be reversed. If the artist's lathe breaks, he/she is asking for help, while the craftsman determines root cause and fixes it without a second thought. Different strokes (talents) for different folks.
As to things being different a 100 years ago - I would argue today's exceptional are as good or better as then. What you don't see is the crap that was produced a 100 years ago because no one wanted to preserve it. Yes some can get wrapped up in "the next great tool", whether they are just "brand whores" or they really think that's what they need to get to the "next level". The latter are the one's that do need to focus on developing skills vs thinking it can be purchased.
I readily admit I am "art challenged". I don't know about the rest of you, but I've never been able to connect with "abstract art". Looks like a kindergartner through some paint on a piece of canvas. Years ago I was in the Kansas City Art Museum with my BIL, who has a Master's of Fine Art, and I asked him to explain abstract art. I got funny looks and shrugging shoulders. I look at some of the highly touted "art" turnings, and I struggle to understand what makes them so special. Personally, I will continue down my path of attempting to understand what makes one piece "art" and another piece just "nice work", other than the name attached to the piece of "art".