Art is a Record: The 2021 Letters chronicles a year of intentionally connecting over art, the creative process, and friendship through letters. In these letters, Annie Stout and Liz May recount stories of the role that art has played in their lives, through both individual and intersecting experiences. These long format conversations take an earnest look at life as a creative and the joys and frustrations that go along with the perpetually evolving journey.
What readers are saying…
“I loved reading the exchange between Annie and Liz. Throughout the entire book I found so many similarities with my own story as an artist - I could identify with both so easily; from Liz painting on her childhood walls, to Annie’s job as a graphic designer, and all the ups and downs of being blocked. I loved their honesty with each other and their suggestions to moving forward. Thank you for sharing your stories!”
“I absolutely loved it! So many times I found myself almost jumping up and shouting, “Yes! Yes that, me too!”. It was like I was transported back to my college days in art school and was feeling that passion of discovery and determination again. But what I most appreciated was the wisdom and gentleness that you both expressed to each other and to yourselves, that being an artist isn’t just about the rules, it’s message or your “success”, but even more so about giving yourself the freedom to create (or not) as needed based on the rhythms of your life, and then to let it go.”
“I loved so many aspects of this collection of letters. The connection that friends Annie Stout and Liz May were able to maintain during a season in history that was very isolating is remarkable and a great reminder of the importance of relationships despite circumstances.
As a public art enthusiast, mural chaser, and person who commissioned a large-scale mural in her own community, I loved reading Annie and Liz’s conversation, insight, and even ideas for how we interact with art. So many of their thoughts and comments were why I am passionate about Public Art because it makes art accessible and engaging.
My creativity is ignited even brighter as I read Annie and Liz’s ideas for a visual symphony along with mural design... I hope to see this vision come to life someday.
Thank you, Annie and Liz, for a peek into your brilliant minds and warm friendship. The camaraderie you share, the creativity & curiosity you encourage in others, and the gifts your art has brought to the world are inspiring. May every reader of this record feel energized and empowered to tap into their inner artist and “together energy” to create and share their own stories and ideas with the world”
Meet the authors
2008
ANNIE STOUT is an artist and graphic designer based in Midland, MI. She is a multi-passionate creative who works with a wide variety of mediums. Her love of art stems from a compulsive need to create. Annie believes that creating is a cathartic practice that everyone can benefit from.
She was raised in metro-Detroit where art was her passion from a young age. Annie studied art at Central Michigan University, in Mt. Pleasant, where she graduated with cum laude honors in 2007. She earned both her Bachelor of Applied Arts, as a double major in Graphic Design and Sculpture, with a minor in Art History, and her Bachelor of Science in Art Education, with a minor in Industrial Education. As her arts education progressed she wanted to take every class, obsessed with knowing as much as possible about creating. A jack of all trades, Annie is still always looking to learn new skills and try new techniques.
Annie has owned and operated Paper Heart Design since 2008, where she specializes in small business branding as as graphic designer, in addition to creativity coaching services, writing for her creative living blog, and creating fine art. She has lived in Midland since 2009 with her husband, Jerod, and their two daughters. Though she frequently works in the digital world of art, she still very much loves to paint, build, and teach art in analog ways. Her goal as an artist is to highlight beauty in the ordinary, and to create conversations that lead to connection and community.
2023
LIZ MAY works as a Librarian professionally and sometimes makes creative works in her personal life. Once and a while, she will share these projects with others; once in a very great while, she will even share them with the internet. One time, she even made a whole human person! Liz thinks that this may be the most creative thing she's ever done to date, though more creative ideas keep coming.
Liz graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Three Dimensional Art from Central Michigan University, and proceeded directly to graduate school, earning a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from Wayne State University in 2009. She chose to pursue library work for a variety of reasons, but maybe mostly because almost anyone can access a library to learn almost anything, and that is mind-blowing.
Although Liz does not have a body of finished work to show for her years since formally studying and making art in school, she considers her life to be a creative one. She thinks often about the various ways a person can be creative that don't result in producing any tangible thing. That being said, she feels that it's only a matter of time before the creative treasures within her are brought forth into a new, physical life; time will tell. Liz lives a happy life in Michigan with her family, really awesome trees, and all four distinct seasons of the year.
What is the Art is a Record Creatives Community?
We believe that creating makes the world better. We believe in people, stories, and purpose. We believe in seeking beauty and truth. We believe in art and its healing powers. We believe in collaboration. We believe there is always more to learn. We believe everyone is creative. We believe in amplifying your creative life.
Art is a Record is a creatives community. Whether you consider yourself an artist, a crafter, a builder, a decorator, a designer, or an appreciator of art, this group is for everyone.
It is a place to ask questions, share what you're working on, and be inspired. It is a place where we can share with confidence and encourage each other to grow.
Inspiration
Referenced in our letters:
Elizabeth Gilbert is a writer and creativity teacher.
We particularly love her book Big Magic.Austin Kleon is a writer who draws. Author of several great creative books.
Julia Cameron is an author, poet, songwriter, filmmaker and playwright, best known for The Artist's Way.
Additional inspirations:
Seth Godin, Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker.
Oliver Burkeman, Author who writes and teaches about creativity and time.
The Creative Independent, an ad-free Kickstarter published site that regularly releases interviews of working artists, with an archive dating back to 2016.
Mason Currey, author of the Daily Rituals books about the writing lives of creative people throughout history and today.
Do you have questions or comments about Art is a Record? Send us a message!