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. 

“Invention does not consist in creating out of a void, but out of chaos.” – Mary Shelley.

From the introduction to her novel Frankenstein. We responded to Shelley’s astute observation that making sense of the world whether it is personal or aesthetic doesn’t emerge from nothing, but from chaos. Chaos and its associated turbulent energy is the necessary space from which beauty, order and sense-making emerge. 

In the illustration, Obvious State used the pen as a tool to harness and make sense of that energy. 

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.