IAPLC 2024.07.19
IAPLC CREATOR’S FILE #12 Insik Chung
IAPLC Creator’s File interviews top winners of the IAPLC, the world’s leading planted aquarium contest, and introduces the secrets of their progress and their passion for the planted aquarium hobby.
Chung Insik
Age: 51 years old
Country: Republic of Korea
Occupation: Building Maintenace Manager
Aquarium experience: 15 years
Past awards:
IAPLC2014 #1041
IAPLC2015 #263
IAPLC2016 #645
IAPLC2019 #563
IAPLC2020 #500
IAPLC2021 #19
IAPLC2022 #169
IAPLC2023 #9
Other hobbies: Contemplation
Your social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc.):
https://www.instagram.com/aquagallery_stay/
https://www.facebook.com/dreamingaquarium.coolspel/
Age: 51 years old
Country: Republic of Korea
Occupation: Building Maintenace Manager
Aquarium experience: 15 years
Past awards:
IAPLC2014 #1041
IAPLC2015 #263
IAPLC2016 #645
IAPLC2019 #563
IAPLC2020 #500
IAPLC2021 #19
IAPLC2022 #169
IAPLC2023 #9
Other hobbies: Contemplation
Your social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc.):
https://www.instagram.com/aquagallery_stay/
https://www.facebook.com/dreamingaquarium.coolspel/
IAPLC 2023 WORLD RANKING 0009
Rocky forest
Aquarium Size W1,200×D600×H500(mm)
Rocky forest
Aquarium Size W1,200×D600×H500(mm)
Q Why did you start the planted aquarium hobby?
At first, I enjoyed the process of creating my own scenery in the fish tank using stones, trees, and water plants. But now, through my hobby, I observe nature, realize the greatness of nature, and try to incorporate the principles of nature into my life.
Q What do you find attractive about planted aquariums?
Planted aquariums involve the hassle of management and considerable costs, but they provide the pleasure of viewing the special beauty of the underwater world created by fish and aquatic plants through the glass walls of the fish tank without directly entering the water. In addition, I can gain the satisfaction of creating my own underwater world by artificially controlling the underwater environment using various equipment.
Q Where do you get themes, motifs, and ideas for your layouts?
In the past, I tried to create a layout by scaling down parts of nature, so I referenced the natural scenery I had experienced. However, now, rather than trying to reproduce the appearance of nature, I look for ideas in images that simplify and express objects, such as ink-and-wash paintings or black-and-white photographs, in order to capture Eastern emotions and messages in the layout.
At first, I enjoyed the process of creating my own scenery in the fish tank using stones, trees, and water plants. But now, through my hobby, I observe nature, realize the greatness of nature, and try to incorporate the principles of nature into my life.
Q What do you find attractive about planted aquariums?
Planted aquariums involve the hassle of management and considerable costs, but they provide the pleasure of viewing the special beauty of the underwater world created by fish and aquatic plants through the glass walls of the fish tank without directly entering the water. In addition, I can gain the satisfaction of creating my own underwater world by artificially controlling the underwater environment using various equipment.
Q Where do you get themes, motifs, and ideas for your layouts?
In the past, I tried to create a layout by scaling down parts of nature, so I referenced the natural scenery I had experienced. However, now, rather than trying to reproduce the appearance of nature, I look for ideas in images that simplify and express objects, such as ink-and-wash paintings or black-and-white photographs, in order to capture Eastern emotions and messages in the layout.
Q Do you have any special items that you use when creating layouts?
I prefer rough materials without artificial shredding or cutting. Although these materials are not flashy or intense, they are easy to create a natural landscape by combining with aquatic plants. So, if possible, I collect directly from nature.
Q In the process of creating your work, are there any difficulties or points you had to devise?
I did layouts in this competition twice. The first layout I made was complete with planting of water plants, but I thought it was a familiar layout, so after some consideration, I reset it. Since various works are submitted through IAPLC every year, it is a very difficult process for the exhibitor to create a creative work that is different from existing works. So, in the second layout I created, I eliminated the path that is often used to express the vanishing point. Instead, large rocks were placed in an Iwagumi style to draw attention to the rocks, and small rocks and tree branches were placed in the background to create a depth-oriented landscape. Although they look like rocks that were naturally piled up, the positions of the rocks were modified a lot to create a dynamic feel, shade, and secure planting space. However, the rocks used were so large and heavy that my arms and back hurt a lot while I was placing them.
I prefer rough materials without artificial shredding or cutting. Although these materials are not flashy or intense, they are easy to create a natural landscape by combining with aquatic plants. So, if possible, I collect directly from nature.
Q In the process of creating your work, are there any difficulties or points you had to devise?
I did layouts in this competition twice. The first layout I made was complete with planting of water plants, but I thought it was a familiar layout, so after some consideration, I reset it. Since various works are submitted through IAPLC every year, it is a very difficult process for the exhibitor to create a creative work that is different from existing works. So, in the second layout I created, I eliminated the path that is often used to express the vanishing point. Instead, large rocks were placed in an Iwagumi style to draw attention to the rocks, and small rocks and tree branches were placed in the background to create a depth-oriented landscape. Although they look like rocks that were naturally piled up, the positions of the rocks were modified a lot to create a dynamic feel, shade, and secure planting space. However, the rocks used were so large and heavy that my arms and back hurt a lot while I was placing them.
Q What are the key points in selecting aquatic plants and fish species?
The most important thing to consider is whether the size of the aquatic plants depending on the planting location is appropriate for the landscape.
Q Is there anything you always keep in mind when creating layouts?
First, is the message you want to convey to the audience clearly expressed in the work? Second, is it empty enough so that the audience does not feel frustrated when looking at the work? Lastly is it natural?
Q Do you have any secrets for winning awards on the contest?
In the beginning of the IAPLC submission, I produced works that I was satisfied with alone, but recently, I listened to the opinions of people around me at important stages such as hardscape, expression of delicacy, selection of water plants, and photo atmosphere. This process seems to have influenced the quality of the work and helped it receive good scores from the judges.
Q Why did you enter the IAPLC and what do you think is the best part of the contest?
For me, submitting to IAPLC is like participating in the greatest festival in the world. Although the process of creating a work to receive a higher rank than the last competition is difficult, and I feel upset when the desired results are not achieved, I keep anticipation and excitement in my heart during the festival period. So, I prepare to participate in the festival every year and seem to enjoy this wonderful hobby.
The most important thing to consider is whether the size of the aquatic plants depending on the planting location is appropriate for the landscape.
Q Is there anything you always keep in mind when creating layouts?
First, is the message you want to convey to the audience clearly expressed in the work? Second, is it empty enough so that the audience does not feel frustrated when looking at the work? Lastly is it natural?
Q Do you have any secrets for winning awards on the contest?
In the beginning of the IAPLC submission, I produced works that I was satisfied with alone, but recently, I listened to the opinions of people around me at important stages such as hardscape, expression of delicacy, selection of water plants, and photo atmosphere. This process seems to have influenced the quality of the work and helped it receive good scores from the judges.
Q Why did you enter the IAPLC and what do you think is the best part of the contest?
For me, submitting to IAPLC is like participating in the greatest festival in the world. Although the process of creating a work to receive a higher rank than the last competition is difficult, and I feel upset when the desired results are not achieved, I keep anticipation and excitement in my heart during the festival period. So, I prepare to participate in the festival every year and seem to enjoy this wonderful hobby.
Q If you belong to an aquarium club, please tell us about its activities.
I belong to ‘Aquagallery Stay’, a private, non-profit club operated by aquascape enthusiasts. By scaping their own aquatic aquariums at Stay, they prepare for competitions, try out various layouts, enjoy information exchange and fellowship, and hold regular public seminars and training to revitalize aquatic aquariums. Additionally, we are working to develop aquascapes through exchanges with domestic aquascapers.
I belong to ‘Aquagallery Stay’, a private, non-profit club operated by aquascape enthusiasts. By scaping their own aquatic aquariums at Stay, they prepare for competitions, try out various layouts, enjoy information exchange and fellowship, and hold regular public seminars and training to revitalize aquatic aquariums. Additionally, we are working to develop aquascapes through exchanges with domestic aquascapers.
Q Please give a message to all planted aquarium enthusiasts around the World.
For those of you who have not yet participated in IAPLC, I hope you feel the same emotion I felt when I first attended, and I look forward to joining you in the upcoming festival. I hope you have a lot of fun during the festival. Your experience together will be special and meaningful.
For those of you who have not yet participated in IAPLC, I hope you feel the same emotion I felt when I first attended, and I look forward to joining you in the upcoming festival. I hope you have a lot of fun during the festival. Your experience together will be special and meaningful.
