This is the work of our advisor this time.
Step 1: Ideas
I was ranked 7th in the world. I'm happy to be ranked in the singles for the first time in a while. I also had some things to reflect on for the next time, so I'll talk about those in this article.
First, I create an image. In the past, I used to draw in more detail, but recently I just roughly draw the image and then start the actual production. I have a more detailed image in my head, but there are some parts that I can't figure out until I'm working on it, so I want to keep going.
Here are some points that the advisor, aiming for the Grand Prix, paid attention to.
1. Are there any new ideas for using aquatic plants and layout materials that would make someone want to copy you ?
2. Can you convey overwhelming originality and impression to the judges? Is it a unique work ?
3. Are there any parts that could result in a significant deduction ?
Layouts that just show healthy, beautifully grown aquatic plants will not be taken seriously in this contest. Just like founder Takashi Amano, only innovative and memorable works created with the intention of "surprising the viewers" will be selected for the top prizes.
With that in mind, here are some concrete ideas for this:
1. Unprecedented color variations (to make it stand out among the works that are mostly based on green colors)
2. Whitened driftwood is used as the main piece in the center of the screen (I've never seen anything like that before!)
3. A simple, linear composition with no excessive undulations
( as most of the works have an undulating base that emphasizes a natural feel, this will also be memorable)
4. Pink pebbles and black sand are boldly used as part of the color scheme (four types of pebbles, two types of sand, and non-aquatic plant materials are used to increase the color)
5. A horizontal, rather than vertical , composition (I will explain this in a later article!)
Some of the ideas may contain elements that the judges might dislike (exaggerated, artificial features), but I'll give it a try. Now that the direction has been decided, we're ready to go!
Step 2: Materials
Now that the direction of production has been decided, we will begin preparations immediately.
This time, I decided to use white driftwood as the main layout material . However, this white driftwood is not widely available. So, I had no choice but to make it myself.
In fact, I also used bleached driftwood in a work I did in 2019.
The specimen was whitened by being soaked for a long period of time in a concentrated developer for use in developing light-sensitive materials such as film and photographic paper .
However, after 2-3 months of submerging it in water, the surface started to crumble due to the Yamato shrimp nibbling on it. I realized I couldn't continue using this method, so I gave up.
I still have a lot of bleached driftwood left in stock, so I'll use that as well this time.
As a new experiment, I decided to just paint the driftwood white. I figured that the paint used for pond construction would have almost no effect on the living creatures, so I decided to paint the driftwood directly .
It's a crisp white! I'm hoping that if I submerge it in water, moss will naturally grow on it and it will look nice.
I did some testing and submerged some white painted driftwood in an aquarium for about a month. Some moss grew on it, but it had no effect on the living creatures, so I was able to confirm that it was safe to use.
We also use ordinary driftwood that has not been bleached. These are cleaned and polished to a clean state.
Only use driftwood with strong grooves .
In addition, pebbles and other items are selected based on color and texture to make them easier to use.
Basically, driftwood, stones, and other materials are reused.
The stone I bought this time has a nice light pink color .
I'm looking forward to using it in my layout.
Important aquatic
plants can be grown in a stock tank or in styrofoam on a windowsill. (They do not need to be submerged in the tank.)
Every day, I prepare little by little. The period from September to November will be an important preparation period .
Step 3: Hardscape
As an advisor, I feel that the "World Aquatic Plants Layout Contest" is a "World Aquatic Plants Preparation Contest" that
tests how carefully you can prepare in advance .
It takes a considerable amount of time to complete a work and submit it for exhibition. Not only is it necessary to be financially independent, but you also need to exchange information with your peers and have the understanding of your family. You need to maintain your creative motivation for a long time until you can submit it, and it requires a high level of skill that is limited to those who can manage themselves to the point of being a little neurotic , remain fascinated by the beauty of nature, and be able to provide objective criticism. In other words , I think this is a world contest where being a "pervert" is a given.
I said a bit too much
Now, let's start creating the base of the piece.
The appeal of planted aquariums lies in the fact that they are created using knowledge of natural science while carefully considering the "living things" that include the aquatic plants .
Therefore, rather than simply arranging materials freely, it is necessary to create an environment in the base that is favorable for bacteria to live .
It is also important to create a layer of oxygen-containing air in the base to prevent the growth of anaerobic bacteria. The placement of materials is not something that is decided once and then finished , but is adjusted by repeatedly touching and removing materials .
Materials arranged to encase air. The remaining space is filled with cotton, which provides a habitat for bacteria .
Working inside a glass aquarium tank must be done very carefully. If the stone falls off, it will be irreparable. Once the desired position is decided, it is firmly fixed in place with a hardener.
When I create, I always try not to work continuously for more than 30 minutes. Humans cannot concentrate for that long, so I break long periods of work into small chunks and work quietly for short periods. Paint is applied directly to the driftwood visible from the front.
The electrical appliance you can see in the back is a dehumidifier. It works great in rooms with high humidity. The basic part is completed.
November 11, 2023 Started in September, created an image It took about 3 months and 10 days to get from zero to here .
Next time, we will add more soil and get into the finer details .
There needs to be enough space at the back of the tank to plant the stem plants securely .
Soil is added to the pocket-like spaces, and in the deeper areas, pumice stones and initial sticks are added as nutrients.
To prevent soil from spilling out of the pockets, stuff them with cotton or seal them with bubble wrap.
I used a mixture of New Amazonia and Rivera soil for the soil, but there's nothing special about it; I couldn't go to the store to buy New Amazonia, so I used Rivera soil, which I could order online.
It's gritty! It smells nice of soil.
This is the front view after I finished adding the soil. I was finally able to see the whole picture.
Make sure to check the areas that are in light and areas that are in shadow .
Side view
There is enough space to plant stem plants . There is barely enough room in front of the tank for your arms to fit in. The depth is limited to 50cm.
Step 4: Planting
Now we start planting. First, we grow undergrowth to solidify the ground.
By creating a green area first, you can prevent the ground from losing its shape and make construction work go more smoothly. After that, water the area and insert stem plants.
First, moisten the entire soil.
With a pressure-type sprayer. Borrowing undergrowth from a stock
The grass is not doing well in winter , but it will recover after planting.
The undergrowth is the usual new large pearl grass .
Just tear it off and place it on the ground.
You don't need to use tweezers, but it's important to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent mold growth
I tore up some moss and placed it on top of the driftwood.
When planting is almost complete
Close the glass lid tightly to prevent moisture from escaping.
We are entering the mist phase .
We have entered the mist period. During this time, the undergrowth, especially at the top of the tank, tends to dry out easily, so I open the glass lid and spray with a mist sprayer to replenish moisture.
Also, since it is winter now, if the tank gets too cold, the aquatic plants will not grow well, so I use metal halide lights to keep the temperature at an appropriate level .
The heat emitted by the metal halide lamp keeps the temperature inside the tank at an appropriate level and helps the roots of aquatic plants, especially undergrowth, to attach to the ground and firmly solidify it .
The front part near the bottom is a little hard to reach with light.
A simple light has been added, which brightens up the entire tank and creates a good environment for growing aquatic plants.
Two weeks have passed
The hair grass planted at the back of the tank has taken root .
Three weeks have passed
We have also launched new large pearl glass.
When I can't put my hands in the tank, I select the materials
Black and white pebbles, daunting task that takes just a few minutes every day
2 months have passed
A beautiful carpet of undergrowth has been created.
When you open the lid, you can smell the crispy plant aroma.
I think it's about time to move on to pouring water.
Material selection is complete
Now it's time to pour water into the tank.
This process is called the "water pouring ceremony."
A mixture of excitement and thrill
I was a little worried that the layout would fall apart.
Water is poured from the tap into the storage space at the rear of the tank.
Since the water is filtered, no dechlorination is required.
Water keeps coming in from the tap.
The fascinating thing about aquatic plants is that they grow on land but become even more vibrant in water!
The water injection was completed successfully .
Numerous bubbles rise in the tank
A refreshing view unfolds before your eyes.
Next, trim away any overgrown grass .
Once you've finished trimming the undergrowth
Using tweezers, carefully plant the stem plants that have been grown in the stock tank .
Crispy, Steady and steady
Planting will proceed steadily, Create a rough color image in advance of where you will place each plant .
After that, you can move on to regular maintenance tasks such as regular water changes .
The metal halide lights have been replaced with LEDs which don't emit as much heat .
Under normal management
Moss has also started to grow. Add the Yamato shrimp .
Water adjustment using the drip method Carefully mix the water in for about 2 hours.
About 80
It swims around the tank, nibbling at the moss, and the cleaning begins!
It's a pleasant way to work. At the same time, we will continue with planting.
The water has stabilized Now it's time to add the fish. This time I chose the Orange Glitter Danio .
The advisor fell in love with these fish and has been using them every year.
They are beautiful and interesting, and they are easy to raise, and the way they swim in groups is very appealing.
Next, cuts are made to express the countless bands of color.
Stuffed with cotton
White sand is then laid on top of it to represent a small stream.
In one area, pink pebbles are laid out in strips.
Use a beaker to pour it in. (I don't have a special container for this purpose.)
No aquatic plants will be used here, so the pink pebbles will be left exposed in
their natural state .
Orange glitter danios fly across the screen.
(Thanks to daily feeding, they now gather in groups and gather when people stand in front of the tank.)
Small stones of different colors and shapes are laid on the lower floor .
The reason I'm doing this is because I don't want the flowing lines to stop near the low floor. This is an attempt to extend the overall flow of the screen, created by the white driftwood and strip-like painted areas, even further down to the low floor.
Take a photo from the front to check the planting belt and the shape of the stream .
The plan was revised to increase the density of the color bands, and the color bands were extended to the low floor area.
The whole thing is finished.
The water is clear and the season is approaching.
One last check
Is the composition clear and easy to understand?
The golden ratio of dividing the aquarium horizontally instead of vertically
This is the most similar shapes ever used!
Is the image clearly unique and different from other works ?
Use an excessive amount of colour, almost to the point of it being unnatural and annoying !
Even the edge of the tank becomes part of the composition (I wonder how many people will notice! ☺)
Are the fish happy with this habitat?
My favorite fish, the orange glitter danio, has plenty of darkness to hide in, and
I think the vibrant colors blend in with the coloring, creating an environment where they can protect themselves from predators.
Step 5: Final
This is finally the final part of the making-of article.
The day of the photoshoot has arrived. This time, I have asked photographer Akira Ikeda to take my photos. It's such a luxury to have a professional photographer take my photos! I'm so glad that I have a photographer friend. Please use your skills to lead me to the grand prize!
Not only Mr. Ikeda, but also Ikeko and Kazue helped out.
Amazingly, special guest Kenyu Sakai even flew
all the way from Hokkaido just for this shoot ! (He's crazy!)
We are truly grateful for your time, especially as you are busy preparing your own works for exhibition.
They posed enthusiastically as if they were creating their own artwork and then left.
Thank you so much, Kenyu-san. (You're crazy after all!)
I successfully submitted my work and it was the most relaxing moment of the year.
The announcement will be made in three months.
I wonder if the intention of this project will be conveyed to the judges.
I have many concerns, such as whether people will dislike the white-painted driftwood or whether
my work, which takes a graphic design approach , will be accepted.
The title of the work is "Covered in green again."
The bleached driftwood symbolizes the story of the earth, reset by destruction and collapse, eventually being regenerated by the power of plants. I hope this theme is conveyed well.
Thank you for your continued support.
Author Tanaka Katsuki / Japan
seikasuisoubu design
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