That was not a mottled background on BG112; it was another example of Conklin's fascination with minute, detailed imagery to provide a not-blank slate for his posters.
The 1st printing poster is on smooth uncoated index. It was printed before the concert and measures 14" x 21 1/16".
The 2nd printing is on slick glossy stock. It was printed after the concert and measures 14" x 21 1/8".
Lee Conklin's early influences were pen and ink masters Heinrich Kley and Saul Steinberg.After seeing articles featuring Wes Wilson's poster art, Conklin was inspired to visit San Francisco and show his art to Bill Graham. Conklin was soon commissioned to do posters and produced 31 original designs for the Fillmore between 1968 and 1969. Conklin rendered both graphics and calligraphy in intricate detail. What began as a personal challenge to disguise images within images and lettering soon turned into a concerted effort to turn every single letter and figure into another form, stretching the imagination to new limits.