Hello
Definitely the craftsman or Master Artist working at what he loves.
The book says he is sculptor and for the record - sculptors often use a a wooden mallet to strike the chisel. It can give you better control on the strike, has a little give, and it is also a little quieter to work with. The mallet tends to look just like that.
The traditional RW is a stone mason and the setting seems like a cathedral - but they both carry the same sense to me - doing what you enjoy and taking pride in doing it well. I also get the feeling that there is a sense of being recognized for your work. That can come in many ways and in many fields.
The man reminds of a blacksmith I know - at least the expression does.