This may have been true at one time but recent trends have thrown the artist's involvement with his work into a state of chaos. Many limited edition reproductions are very closely supervised by the artist. The artist frequently looks at and criticizes proofs and in several cases I know, has ordered an entire edition destroyed because it is the result that is important and he approves it by signing it. It is the artist's idea and he signs it, and that is what counts, at least in the market. It is a pity that so much muddy thinking exists on the subject, even by experts who pretend the furor has something to do with Art.
Art has to do with inspiration, creativity and skill.
More people are excited by it today than ever before and good prints of every kind play an important part in this.