by Henry David Thoreau
Illustrated by Evan Robertson
Henry David Thoreau dropped the gauntlet with Walden in 1854, and it is more relevant than ever.
To Live Deliberately is our illustrated edition of Thoreau's most well known essay, Where I Lived and What I Lived For. Accompanied by 30 illustrations, the essay challenges the trappings of modern living and embraces an ascetic rejection of the material and the trivial in exchange for a reconnection with nature as a path toward self discovery.
What is it: Where I Lived, and What I Lived For by Henry David Thoreau. From his book Walden.
Fun Fact: Thoreau was minimalist before minimalism was cool. Take that, Marie Kondo!
What makes it awesome: Thoreau expertly wrestles with the big questions through the lens of small, quotidian moments.
Why Read it: This is an essay about radical unplugging. In the face of our modern technological existence, his experiment in essentialism feels more timely than ever.
"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
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.
To visually capture the spirit of Thoreau's words, we reimagined the dense crossing branches in the deep woods as pointed Gothic arches. Gothic architecture—characterized by soaring spaces and elegant symmetry—was structured to inspire awe, to draw one’s attention up and to create a sense of weightlessness. Spend some time alone in the woods, and it becomes clear from where the architects drew their inspiration.
