This 10" X 12" porcelain tile mural, titled "Gifts of the Evening", was hand-crafted by Cindy Ross, M.D. of C-Nik Tiles. It is embellished with a semi-precious stone (Mystic Topaz) in the eye.

The Dragon in many Asian cultures is a symbol of strength and security. Different colored Dragons are guardians of different facets of life. This piece was done in a black background with a cherry branches in bloom border in an effort to portray the evening's serenity. The Green Dragon represents the abundance and gifts we are given. At night, this Dragon will guide it's owners along their paths to these gifts.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT: 

 “True Beauty results from the repose which the mind feels when the eye,

the intellect, and the  affections are satisfied from

the absence of want.”

     I began to make tiles as a hobby about sixteen years ago. I was looking for a medium for my artistic expression and recalled fond memories of working in clay as a child. I took various classes at Lill Street Studios in Chicago, and found my passion in Bas-Relief (3 dimensional) tile making.

     Bas-relief tile making encompasses many of my interests. The elements of design, sculpture, painting and color. As well, tiles have a historical context that I find fascinating. I incorporate elements of the context in many of my designs. My designs also reflect my interests in nature and travel. I rely heavily on inspiration from my garden and the smaller world within the garden. My travels to such places as Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean countries have also provided a wealth of inspiration. At times life can be quite chaotic, and so I try to portray a sense of calmness and serenity in my art.  My husband, Stuart had joined me almost a decade ago in this endeavor and our goal has been  to create beautiful, hand made tiles that will last for centuries to come.

;  THE PROCESS:

The process of making the tiles begins with research and detailed drawings. Using the drawing as a guide I then sculpt the design out of clay. My designs are quite detailed and can take many weeks to complete. The sculpted tiles are then cast in plaster. Porcelain clay is then hand pressed into the molds. Many of the designs must be altered or resculpted  slightly in an effort to bring back the undercuts or to create a unique looking piece.   The clay is dried over a period of about four weeks then bisque fired, We look at these pieces as a painter would a blank canvas. Each piece is then stained and hand painted. Hand painting is a very difficult process, as the glazes must be applied meticulously and in specific quantities. The difficulty with applying glaze is  because it is “gritty” and therefore does not flow onto dry clay anywhere as easily as oil paint would flow on to a canvas. We are also proud of the fact that most of our glazes are our own recipes, something that takes a lot of time to develop. Finally the tiles are fired to cone 10, (2350 degrees) in a gas kiln, reduction environment for 12-14 hours to fully mature the porcelain. A slow cooling process of 2-3 days is required. It is always exciting to finally open the kiln 3 days after the firing began and marvel over the results!

SHOULD YOU WANT TO SEE MORE OF OUR WORKS OR CONTACT US  FOR A COMMISSIONED WORK , PLEASE EMAIL CINDY@CNIKTILES.COM, OR FOR A STUDIO APPOINTMENT PLEASE CALL STU AT 847-477-6900.