Landshark,
I'm with you there- I LOVE the TBF posters, which are very interesting concept wise and well painted. That's why I wonder why the stage backdrop is kinda, well, not so purty. Not that everything has to be just right but why skimp on the stage? I did see the instruments in the sky on last years poster, but not immediately...Those tricky artists...
There is something to the simplicity of the stage that we're fond of around here...
We're all there for the music, and anything that is put on or around the stage in Telluride will pail in comparison to the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Much of the art in and around the festival grounds is done by a group of hardworking folks who start a week in advance...without them, there would be no mirrors, birds, or wild things to subtly enhance the experience.
We could go all out with some extravagant stage art to visually please everyone, but I'm not sure it would be worth it. After all, the music and the natural surroundings are why we are there, no?
I prefer the simple art, to accent the audible art streaming from the stage. The plants on the wings of the stage to tie the electronics of the show back into the nature surrounding it.
I understand that you might not have liked the past couple of stage sets, helixer...but you can't deny some of the incredible props that have been on stage. Do you remember the 10' instruments made from tree branches a couple of years back? They were simple, but breathtaking.
I don't see our stage designer going anywhere, as she is as much a part of this family as any of us...though her muse may change, as all artists do over time.
If you find yourself harshing your own mellow during the festival this year due to the stage art...do a "Telluride 360" and remember that you are surrounded by the best art, people, and nature that a person can hope to have in one place.
D.
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