Collected Works and Poems
An artfully illustrated book of poetry, excerpts, and musings from the writers and philosophers who contemplated nature's beauty and mystery. From Emerson's essays on its wisdom, to the Romantic poets' reveries on its power and awe, this illustrated anthology brings together enduring insights on that which connects us to the earth and to each other.
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OBVIOUS STATE BOOKS
On Nature
Bold & Graphic
The bold graphic interpretations are a visual ode to nature and are inspired by excerpts from Emerson, Thoreau, Wordsworth, Frost, Shelley, Rossetti, Cather, Yeats, Machado, Keats, Verlaine, Whitman, Teasdale, Hughes and more.
Illustrated Edition
"How can artwork live on the page with poetic text in a way that enhances it without upstaging it or undermining its ability to communicate? That was my main priority, and it informed everything about the visual approach.
The stark palette, the repetition of visual elements, and the balance of art and text all serve to drive the narrative forward. While there’s no “correct” way to visualize these works, I’ve chosen to focus on the broader themes rather than the literal narration of action. I wanted to create a seamless marriage of provocative visuals and punctuated language, both exploring the same idea in slightly different ways. The result, I hope, creates a uniquely illuminating and immersive experience for the reader, where the wisdom that the author and artist explore together are brought into sharper focus."
- Evan Robertson
Obvious State Cofounder & Illustrator
Beautiful Typography
For this project, we selected Ogg—a luscious calligraphic serif typeface designed by Lucas Sharp. The design was inspired by the iconic hand lettering of twentieth century book designer and calligrapher Oscar Ogg. It captures the unique mix of calligraphic and typographic forms he achieved through his use of hand carved pen nibs. While Ogg is high contrast and dramatic, it remains refined and warm, which we think pairs perfectly with the art.