In the development of the original phase of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the submarine canyon and open ocean would not be a part of the programming.

GT proposed a mural, which would show the open ocean fishes and the food chain. In working with the marine biologists, GT created an image which would first, intrigue people, and draw them into the image, and learn of the web of life in this habitat. GT sought to create a very dynamic and eye catching composition. Then the execution would require realistic renditions of all the fishes. A compressed shallow to deep background was laid out, and the various species were placed according to their habitat depth. Who chases who creates the dynamism.