No, we do not disagree much at all. We follow different trails over the same general region of the garden, sometimes our paths cross, sometimes we can see each other from a distance, sometimes we lose sight one of the other.
I do disagree about it being 1-to-1 and it being what a public aquarium does. A public aquarium is more like a zoo, more a botanic garden than a Japanese-Chinese garden. They make little effort to show
beauty. I do use metaphore, but lean towards seeing the tank as metaphore for the underwater place
itself. Perhaps a touch of hyperrealism? Better than the real thing for the casual contemplation of its beauty.
(Ever been to a tropical rainforest stream? Muddy, insect-infested, oppresively hot and humid, and above all, taking place at an inconvenient location
Worst of all, often the water has the clarity of caffe-au-lait. Did I mention the fish just swim away from you faster than supercavitating torpedoes? Cichlids even poke fun at you
Plants behave better... but still you have to get all wet---at least the water is not cold
).
Ah... but still, such
beauty---a unique beauty that I want close and I want to show to people, that I want to make part of who I am as my art.
It is in
that sense that I believe this approach might be closer to the spirit of Japanese-Chinese gardening: almost like being there, but more suited for contemplation.
Oh, BTW: I like your new tank. Or rather, I think I do... it's still to young to know how it will look
Best, gus
Oh, BTW:
Happy New Year!!! 