Introduction

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Syracuse University Library – Special Collections Research Center

How Can I Keep From by Ellen Nanni

Printmaking, Sophomore

In making this book, Ellen was able to experiment with storytelling in an abstract way. She writes, "The construction of my book began to take on a whole story of its own in the process and manner in which I folded, glued, drew, stamped, and painted. As I worked I thought about storytelling in literal and figurative ways, and discovered that it is possible to tell a story without any words or clear illustrations. It was a wonderful experience for me to work through my book, and as I painted and colored it, I was infinitely happy. I let myself enjoy the process and the story that my book created for me."

This piece was inspired by a few of the books we saw at the Special Collections Research Center in the Library. Two specifically were They All Laughed by Karen Hanmer for the flag book structure, and House of Ghosts by Marshall Weber for the use of materials. The book has no resemblance to either of these pieces whatsoever, but these books helped to inspire the beginning of the creative process which led to the final book.

They All Laughed by Karen Hanmer

Photographs and archival documents pertaining to the Wright Brothers' first manned, powered flight, contrasted with the Gershwin song, They All Laughed, that lists a number of screwball ideas for inventions that became the foundation of modern society. When fully extended on one side the flags form a panorama of the airplane in flight over the ocean. Opened as pages, one side has 2 flags with Wright's text and the airplane photo and the other 1 flag with Gershwin's lyrics and 2 flags with photos of ocean and sky.

Ellen Nanni has been struggling with the imagery in her work, and ways in which to portray her message. As she works through her sophomore year, her art continues to go through great transformations, which she appreciates very much. She is excited to see where her art goes, and enjoys making and reacting to herself and her pieces. She hopes to learn as many art processes as possible, and to expand her work into as many media as possible, as well as to strengthen the conceptual message of her work.