An artist is conscious of working in their creative process. They are conscious of the struggle that is needed to give birth to their work.
To work a piece of art is to create a metaphor for life. Events, feelings, ideas are consolidated to a finely chiseled point of clarity. In the best work, there is no wasted lines, moments or materials. Look to a supreme example. Look to Da Vinci. What does his work say to you about his creative process?