![*IMG_6996 crop.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmaqLwmF2o7ke22mJ2hdAic13pFawemFGBakKnnUqHazke/*IMG_6996%20crop.jpeg)
# My Gingko Commission is Ready for Installation<h1>

Yesterday's [post](https://steemit.com/art/@natureofbeing/gingko-tile-project-progress-and-firing) gave an overview of this Gingko Tile commission, showed my process of preparing the Gingko tiles for firing, and a bit about the firing process. 

After 40 hours of candling, firing and slow cooling, it was time to open the kiln.
I could hardly breathe as I unloaded the kiln and with each shelf felt a little more relief as I saw that there was no cracking, no warping, no problems. Whew, phew, I danced a mini jig. This large a tile (15" x 11") is prone to all kinds of issues and there were so many hours of making in each one that some part of me was held in suspension until I saw the results.  

![**IMG_6908.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmV9u7LBZqG3fAyPMAeFGwQMjuSuvesj1fv1vCJgr1v88g/**IMG_6908.JPG)

This first firing is what's called a "bisque fire" and it heats the clay just hot enough to alter its composition so that the clay can't decompose back into its original state even if left in water for years. Clay that has made it through the bisque fire is much stronger and can sustain a lot more vigorous sanding and handling as needed. 

First I examined each and lay them out altogether to make sure all 5 fit well. The first of the two stage glazing process was to hand glaze all of the gingko leaves and branches with a slightly richer glaze so that they will standout in the face of the very similar field glaze:

![**IMG_7030.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTEwwzouTg88rLg2WrJp9jratFJnbS4aV619azsDJEEQw/**IMG_7030.JPG)

And all 5 tiles after hand-painting:

 ![**IMG_6913.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmYVBF6imWjwj2UbjF62RbiRKgFtHM5RKaUFHfo57VrSgS/**IMG_6913.JPG)

Next, I made a tub of the field glaze where I dipped the front of each tile. I had to strategically plan how to move each tile around after it was dipped so allow the glaze to run off for a favorable effect. My goal was a somewhat even field of glaze with some areas of variation. I know this glaze well and it can look olive green or have blue undertones depending on thickness of application and I wanted some of both. There are floating gold flecks in this glaze which are extraordinarily beautiful but unfortunately I haven't yet been able to capture them in a photo. 

![**IMG_7040.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmasks4SZREJmWa9w91nTMXG1Y9K9rgVKhcYQyGdcWceJw/**IMG_7040.JPG)

Then they went in the kiln again for the "glaze fire". Below are the fired tiles, a detail and the whole group of 5. I was pleased that the blue undertones came through in the darker areas and just enough variation to give the piece some mood. I especially like the top 2 tiles.

![**IMG_6997 crop.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmYjs4VVtZG6wqK1z3ViAC384pDiXqH8vFjWrpRp3Qh18C/**IMG_6997%20crop.jpeg)


For optimal lighting and less glare, I took these outside to the driveway to photograph them:
![**IMG_6999.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmciFdCXQqZzsZ8aTM89enxQFgR5Ns7YBd9JLACB5YbrR5/**IMG_6999.JPG)

Once these are installed, I'll be sure to post photos of the client's completed master bathroom. Thanks for following the process of this project, I enjoyed sharing it! And as always I am grateful for your support of my blog. 

![FOOTER.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmddwwkT8fPXdityVETGDFfSyeRi1naT6CVfZDj1a6BFwC/FOOTER.jpg)