Ӕmilia Lanyer\u27s Place in the Literary Canon

Aemilia Lanyer\u27s poetry has been hidden in obscurity since its first appearance in 1611. Despite the efforts of Renaissance--and, more aggressively, feminist--scholars to bring her Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum to the attention of the literate public, the mention of Lanyer\u27s name still elicits frowns and scratched heads from non-specialist readers. Attempting to canonize such a little-known author almost screams literary affirmative action to conservative readers, especially when the validity of Lanyer scholarship has not been determined. Before such action, affirmative or otherwise, can be taken, we must first define modern criteria for the literary canon, and then examine Lanyer\u27s poetry on its own merits. Only then can her position as a representative of her gender and culture be considered as a factor in canonization. In this thesis I will attempt to introduce Lanyer\u27s poetry to a new audience by explicating major passages of Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum, particularly her non-traditional Biblical allusions and interpretations. I will also present what is known about her life and her relationships with the women she solicited as patrons. I will then construct an argument in favor of Lanyer\u27s works being canonized

Catalysis.

The artist discusses the process of discovery that led to her Master of Fine Arts exhibition at Slocumb Galleries, East Tennessee State University, from March 19 to 23, 2007. Investigations in printmaking, mixed media, and symbol are highlighted. The work for the thesis show consists of nineteen, 30 hand pulled works on paper. All works are oriented vertically and floated in the frame. Of this collection, thirteen are monotypes, four are collographs, and one is a collage. Insertions include intaglio, brayer marking, encaustic wax, paper, oil paint, pen, and sumi ink. Topics included are the artist\u27s thinking into the nature of creativity and the potential for art to speak into culture. The artist discusses some of her own process in this discovery exploring landscape, symbol, and abstraction. Included are a few contextual earlier landscapes of the artist\u27s, some examples of discovery, and a catalogue of the final thesis show