Can we identify one isolated author of a piece of artwork? Obviously there can be inspirations and input from an environment but all these pass through the brain of the artist.
They may filter, select, adapt and interpret.
When can the contributions to the thought process of the author claim authorship? Artwork which is computerised carries the logic the computer and software builder has discovered and arranged for intended purpose.
It is clear that there are actions in the creation of the work which are not designed by the artist, are not intended but still have a distinct involvement which shapes the nature of the completed artwork.
Can this claim authorship any more than a piece of apparatus with a very specific production process which as a tool creates the work in a way which is directly related to the characteristics of the tool.
If we think of our hand, which is used to manoeuvre the brush, as a tool, depending on the degree of control over the hands and the communication between the brain and the hand, the idea doesn't change but the appearance does.
When artwork is produced by an artist, executed with their hands, there is journey from an idea in their head which then needs to pass through their hands before the marks are produced on the surface.
There is an element of the artist which creates the artwork which holds potential and power which, since it appears not to be controlled consciously by the intellect, it could possibly be given the label 'skill' or 'talent'.
When one cannot see the proprietor of a process, historically, an illusion is created of a governor which is unseen and unchangeable and therefore one will relinquish control.
As a child, our fine motor skills are developed more if the child has an interest in the activity which requires that particular movement since they select practising it if they have a choice.
Interest is often developed through the positive experience of an activity whether it be viewing it being successful in others or themselves, or finding it pleasurable.
So usually skill is tied in with interest, and interest is generally tied in with experience.
It may exist as a biological advantage but this has been fed by character and environment.
As for natural talent, is there an autonomous being in control or are we now looking at relating talent to similar workings the building blocks of authorship.