It’s the rallying cry of the 21st century: “Let’s get to work.” Spoken with the right emphasis and in the right context, it can indeed inspire us to roll up our sleeves and do our best. Often, however, it is uttered as a sad whimper, a desperate attempt to marshal those with slouching shoulders against the enemy that is yet another task no one ultimately cares about — not even the person doing the marshaling. Maybe, it’s time for a new rallying cry.
“Let’s get to art.” Why don’t we try this on for size? For one, it instantly transforms what you’re doing into a higher calling. Is there an artful way to hand out ice cream? To punch tickets at a festival? To complete a slide deck for an inventory report? I have no idea, but if craftsmanship is the goal, I sure as hell can give it an honest try.
Another benefit of “Let’s get to art” is that it suggests there is in fact art to be gotten to. A destination worth pursuing. Work is a mere means to an end. It offers no such aspiration. No mountain to climb. Just more shoveling. There’s a difference between being artful in how you do things and finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that is genuine, accomplished creativity, but both will infuse you with inspiration.
Finally, “getting to art” issues a kind but necessary reminder: Whereas work is guaranteed, awareness of our privilege to “get to make art” is not. Everyone must be productive to earn a paycheck, but while anyone can, most people don’t see work as an opportunity to show up with authenticity and spirit. The privilege of getting to make art is free for whoever is willing to claim it, but “let’s get to work” can make us forget we’re holding a golden ticket — and maybe we should punch that one first.
Enough with the uninspired salaryman’s slogan. It’s time for a better motto. Attitude cannot be coerced — only surrendered. Throw out throwing your arms in the air, and then let’s get to art.