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NEW PARIS BOOK IN PROGRESS IN 2024: ALLOWING YOUR WORK TO BECOME YOUR ART – Blog  30

My next book is in progress ... a path to creative fulfilment …

MARTINA NICOLLS

Dec 11

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In my article on “embracing the slump to improve productivity” I wrote that during the week I wanted to finish my work (evaluation reports) before I started my art (creative writing) – i.e., continuing the Paris book. This prompted a friend’s response, “Why not allow your work to become your art.”

In society where success is often measured by efficiency, output, and productivity, the idea to"allow your work to become your art" can seem elusive, even countercultural. Yet, this phraseresonates deeply with me as I continue to strive for a more meaningful and authentic connection to my art, regardless of its nature. But what does the phrase really mean?

Intersection of Work and Art

At first glance, work and art may seem like distinct realms. Work is typically associated with practical tasks, responsibilities, and the pursuit of income, while art evokes images of creativity, expression, and beauty. However, the phrase "allow your work to become your art" challenges people to view work through a different lens – one that sees artistry not as an isolated activity but as an inherent part of how we approach all of life, including our professional work.

To allow your work to become your art is to elevate the quality, passion, and intentionality of what we do. It encourages us to infuse tasks with a sense of creativity, mindfulness, and dedication. It invites us to invest fully in the process, to see every moment as an opportunity for expression, and to approach challenges not merely as obstacles to overcome, but as material for personal growth and creative exploration.

Shift from Task to Craft

One of the key elements of transforming work into creative art is to shift from seeing work as a task instead of viewing it as a craft. This mindset change –whether as a writer, a chef, a teacher, or an entrepreneur – is the process of crafting work with care which can make all the difference.

For example, consider a carpenter building a table. On the surface, the task may seem straightforward: measure, cut, assemble. But when the carpenter approaches the task with a mindset of craftsmanship, and not merely a task, every measurement is exact, every joint is seamless, and every stroke of sandpaper is intentional. The result isn't just a table – it’s a piece of art – it’s reflecting not just function, but beauty, precision, and mastery.

Infusing Purpose and Passion into Work

Another key aspect of allowing work to become your art is to infuse effort with purpose and passion. In many traditional work environments, tasks are often approached with a sense of obligation or routine. A person may do what is required to complete a task or a job, but their heart may not be fully engaged. This lack of emotional investment can leave a person feeling disconnected, unfulfilled, and uninspired.

However, by approaching work with a sense of purpose, we begin to see it as a form of expression. A teacher who genuinely cares about the well-being and growth of their students, for example, transforms their work into an art of nurturing minds and shaping futures.

Art of Attention

One of the most powerful ways to allow work to become your art is by cultivating the ‘art of attention.’ With constant distractions, it's easy to rush through tasks or multi-task in ways that undermine quality, but to transform work into art requires full attention. Whether answering emails, working on a project, or engaging in a meeting, each action offers an opportunity to be fully present, to focus with intention, and to elevate the moment with meaningful engagement.

This focused attention is the hallmark of artistry. Some great artists create in bursts of inspiration, but most great artists work diligently, cultivating habits of attention and presence in the smallest details. Similarly, great professionals, regardless of their field, engage deeply in their work and find creative solutions by focusing on the nuts, bolts, and nuances of each task to create its entirety.

Overcoming the Divide Between Work and Passion

One of the most profound implications of the phrase "allow your work to become your art" is the potential to overcome the divide between work and passion. Work is often seen as something that is necessary to support the passions, but not inherently meaningful in itself.

By blending the two, we transform the very concept of work. We stop compartmentalizing life into "what you do" and "who you are" and instead we start integrating the two. This can be especially important for those whose careers don't fit the conventional definition of creative work. The shift allows anyone, regardless of their occupation, to find purpose and fulfillment in their daily tasks, fostering a sense of alignment and satisfaction.

Holistic Impact of Artistic Work

When work becomes your art, its impact goes beyond personal satisfaction. It has the potential to inspire and influence others. People can sense when someone is genuinely passionate about what they do, and this energy is contagious. A person whose work is infused with artistry is often more engaging, motivating, and dynamic. Their creativity, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence can inspire others to approach their own work with the same passion.

In his song Fear, Kendrick Lamar sang of the ‘fear of losin’ creativity.’ The lead singer of Perspective, on the other hand, sang ‘Creativity’s my middle name’ in the song These Words are True. I think Sean Walshe sang about creativity best in I’ll Believe in You:

Creativity sets you free

Free to be who you should be

To defeat anxiety

To get back to where you belong

So, whether artist, doctor, baker

Guitar, vaccine, dough maker

Write a song

Find a cure

Bake the bread

Pick your calling now

"Allow your work to become your art" is a reminder to me that the creative process is not limited to specific professions or hobbies, but is something that can infuse every aspect of life. Whether a CEO, nurse, writer, or student, the work we do can become an expression ofpassion, purpose, and mastery. By shifting a mindset, embracing craftsmanship, and cultivating attention and presence, we can craft and elevate the everyday tasks of life into meaningful art. In doing so, work will be transformed into deeper fulfillment, inspiration, and connection in all that we do. In that regard, we can all become artists, we can all embrace creativity.