Re: Selection of Judges

[krandall@world.std.com]

At 02:13 PM 7/15/99 -0500, you wrote:

>Karen feels
>that they might not know what goes into a good aquascape, highlights the
>need for at least _some_ Judging Guidelines. 

I have had more than a few experiences with this when people come into my
home, look at my paludarium, ask , "why isn't that tank filled up all the
way?" (despite the obvious waterfall down the back wall, and the African
Violets growing on the bank)<g>

>Perhaps, if we are unable to
>find people who have the combination of both, if we at least make an attempt
>to include a mixture of people - some with a recognized art critic
>background, others more familiar with the hobby. The juxtaposition and range
>of comments which would come from the two groups might be very educational
>for all of us.

Another approach could be to give the non-aquarists some technical support.
 Have an aquarist review the photos first, and remove those with serious
flaws (like the planted tank filled with blue Mbuna at the last minute, or
the tank filled in with silk poinsettias for color) from contention then
leaving the artistic decisions up to the designated judge.  I value what
"real" art people might have to say, but IMO, it _has_ to be in the context
of what is viable in a _real_ aquarium.  

Have you ever seen some of the incredibly poor designs for aquaria
submitted in art school competitions? I remember one where they had one
tank with a huge foot print, and a slanted front going up to a 6" opening
at the back.  Besides the poor surface area for gas exchange, it would have
been a maintenance nightmare. In the same competition, there was another
tank on a long slender "stem" that was lit from below.  Talk about confused
fish!  These tanks were not "also rans" they were actually among the
WINNING entries.  now the possibility of AGA being involved in a fiasco
like _that_ scares me a little.  We have to remember that we are, first and
foremost, gardeners and aquarists.  We have a responsibility to provide
adequate conditions for the living things we keep in glass boxes.  This may
not be at all obvious to a non-aquarist artist.

Obviously, the best of all worlds would be a person accomplished in both areas.

Karen
(Who _REALLY_ should be getting ready to go away, NOT reading all this
stuff!!!<g>)
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