Dynamism that the large pieces of driftwood possessed became the work’s true power, and the work had power to mesmerize viewers. Although the expression of hanging tress and aquatic plants itself is not so novel, it is well-balanced and well-structured, and the impression of this work is beautifully characterized by the expression. Furthermore, the way spaces were created and the way the perspective was expressed, were very skillful. And the layout was composed as all the camera angles (even shooting the fish position) were carefully calculated beforehand. I can even feel the creator’s confidence from the finished photograph. The level of the completed work is high, and the work certainly has a charm to be chosen as the Grand Prize among the top works that are all unique and skillful. 3 of the judges chose this work as their best aquarium. The work has the creator’s extraordinary passion for the planted aquarium hobby not to mention his previous achievements in the IAPLC. I think it was the perfect Grand Prix work for the 20th anniversary.
Tsuyoshi Oiwa
Chairman of the IAPLC Steering Committee
Step 1: Ideas
This is a special year for the result announcement due to covid-19 pandemic. Previously we received the notification letter before the announcement of world rankings. This year, the result was announced through live streaming of ADA YouTube channel. On the announcement day, I prepared myself ready in front of TV and my laptop was connected with friends in our private video conference. I still remember my heart beep was getting faster and faster when the top ranked was announced accordingly. The feeling was getting complicated before top 7 announcement. At that point of time, I hoped I could be in 1 of the top 7 prize winners but my second feels, I hoped I could get even better ranking than ranked 7. It was a hard time for me to pass through every moment started from Top 7 result announced. Until Gold prize was announced and pending for the Grand Prize announcement. All my friends from video conference told me the moment of my face was very funny and almost cramped. Finally, it was announced that I received the Grand Prize, I felt almost empty for few minutes and started to receive the wish and congratulation from friends through video conference, text message and call. My family members were jumping around for my result and my daughter shed tears down after she heard the result through live streaming. Because, she accompanied me time to time during my setup period and she understands how many hours and minutes I spent to complete this work. I am finally fulfilled my dream which I have been hoping for 13 year since 2008 my first participation in IAPLC. I hope to share my happiness with all the participators around the world and appreciate this wonderful contest where accompanies us year by year.
Many tropical plants grow as if they are holding on to prominent limestones.
Begonia is one of my favorite plants, and several species can be found on the Malay Peninsula.
Step 2: Materials
The layout was made by two very big driftwood elements. And the center wood is extremely huge. During the process of structuring this center driftwood, I used more than 20 smaller driftwood pieces to combine to one. The challenge is to maintain this part to sustain the whole layout composition. Other than this, I did find it challenging to maintain this layout. Because there were many “hanging” driftwood on this layout, during maintenance like water change or plant trimming, I needed to pay special attention to avoid the woods to collapse. I used two huge Malaya driftwood to sit on the substrate at the center of this layout. I used smaller special texture driftwood to form in to a huge one to express the big impact in the whole composition.
Step 3: Hardscape
Step 4: Planting
Step 5: Final
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