About Rising Sun Pottery
My name is June Gonzalez. I grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico. I spent my childhood roaming the canyons of northern New Mexico, looking for shards of pottery left behind by the ancient people of the region; taking frequent trips to Santa Fe with my family where every other store front is a gallery; and even visiting the pueblos of San Ildefonso and others, watching famous Pueblo Indian potters creating their exquisite wares. Little did I know these experiences would have an influence decades later. I wanted to become a veterinarian!
I entered the pre-vet program at New Mexico State University. When I found I had to take Chemistry 102 over again, I changed my major to art. I dabbled here and there, and began spending more and more time in the ceramics studio. Eventually I received my B.A. and promptly stuck it in a drawer and forgot about it. I was SICK of art, and especially having to create art on demand. I became an animal control officer instead! I met my husband, fell in love, got married, moved to Michigan, had twins, and moved back to New Mexico. When the twins were 18 months old, hubby bought me a used wheel and kiln. I was flabbergasted. “You really think I have time for this?!?” I was very upset that he thought I was not busy enough.
But, I did sneak out and buy a bag of clay. And that was all it took
This is for you, mom. In 1999 some life changing events happened. First, my mom, Shinobu Ono Guy, passed away. She was the one who nurtured my artistic ability (and tried to squelch my obsession for animals). The name I chose for my business is my small tribute to my mother, who moved here from Japan when she married my father.
The second event was that a few weeks after losing my mother, my husband chose to relocate to Rhode Island. I was understandably reluctant, trying to come to terms with my mother’s death, but I went, knowing it was good for his career. I have not regretted it. I love living here, on this island in Narragansett Bay, watching sailboats from my deck. Here is where I began getting serious about pottery!
Back to this name, “Rising Sun Earthworks.” I could not for the life of me come up with a name for my business! I wanted it to reflect my Japanese heritage in a subtle way. I turned to my best friend, “Tamalita” for help. She mentioned it to her husband Jim who promptly came up with the name. Funny thing is, we introduced them to each other, and my used wheel and kiln were bought from Jim! Fair enough! When I was ready to launch a website, Tamalita designed it for me.
Today I am a stay at home mother of 10 year old twins, a wonderful boy and a beautiful girl. I am happily married to an amazing man who spoils me rotten. I think he subscribes to the philosophy of happy wife=happy life! I am able to work when I feel like it, feed the fish in the pond, go for a walk to watch the leaves turn, or care for our little menagerie of pets.
The old wheel and kiln are still getting a constant workout. Life as a potter is good. Very good.