lifeblood

An artist's style or influence might also be called an heirloom, especially if it's a well-known and respected technique passed from teacher to student over time.

Lifeblood is the energy that makes something go. It's what drives people forward, gives them motivation, and helps them get through tough times.

The word "lifeblood" usually refers to the main source of power or excitement in an activity, project, or situation. For example, a new business might say its innovative approach to product design is the lifeblood of their company, meaning that's what sets it apart from others. If you're planning a vacation and someone asks for your top reason for going on this trip, your answer could be "the beach" – in that case, the beach is the lifeblood of the trip.

Sometimes "lifeblood" can also describe the most essential element required to keep something alive or functioning, such as the blood itself that keeps humans alive.