Obvious State is a creative studio, their artwork and goods are inspired by beautiful language that has stood the test of time, poetry that stretches the imagination, and philosophy that prompts us to think deeply. Obvious State takes snippets of text from literature, philosophy, and poetry as inspiration for a visual response and illustration. 

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson was a prolific essayist and philosopher who led the transcendentalist movement. He championed individualism and man’s profound connection to nature. This quotation from his mid 19th century essay Education explores man’s divine and essential connection to the natural world. 

While the concept can seem trite and alien to a 21st century reader, perhaps it demonstrates the need to reacquaint ourselves with “the stream of power and wisdom which animates all whom it floats.”

In the illustration Obvious State wanted to explore nature as an animated, living thing – in this case the grassy hill is also a buck hiding in plain sight, the tree branches suggesting antlers.

Do you see the deer?

Product Details:

• Cover: 18pt recycled chipboard made from recycled content & books
• 32 college ruled sheets, uncoated 70# paper
• Pocket sized: 3.5 x 5 inches
• Saddle stitched with matching black staples
• Made in US in partnership with Scout Books.

You can shop the collection here.