“Stories of Personal Freedom,” an explorative journey through images debuts at the Macon Arts Alliance on First Friday, August 5 from 5-8 p.m. Experience the narratives of Micah Goguen and Joy Madden Raynor with musical accompaniment by Louise Warren. The opening reception will be on display through August 27. The exhibit is always free and open to the public.
A lifetime of problems surrounding his eyesight directly impacted Goguen’s visual responsiveness to the world around him. “I used art early on to record what I saw and communicate how I was feeling. The process of creation and problem solving always interested me and color has always been a driving force in my art,” states Goguen.
As a Macon native, the city is invariably present in who Goguen is today. “Many of the building blocks of my journey were tailor made with the history of the city,” explains Goguen. “I put a great deal of myself into my artwork. I invite people to form their own conclusions. Aspects of my work may or may not resonate with every person but I hope that someone can connect with my experience.”
Goguen’s work is comprised of mixed media, bold colors, and expressive marks. What is seen on canvas directly correlates to what is going on his daily life, those with whom he interacts, and small moments that happen in between.
Goguen is currently pursuing a Masters in Art Therapy and teaches at the St. Francis Art Center in Macon as well as other venues across the state.
Raynor is the daughter and granddaughter of painters, however found her niche when hands met clay. “My mother and grandfather were two-dimensional oil painters, however I only found my own two-dimensional successes through photography. I have always enjoyed the three-dimensional aspects of clay and find that rewarding.”
“Clay intrigues me for many reasons, however specifically during the Raku process, I am dazzled by pulling a fiery piece of pottery out of the kiln and placing it into sawdust to smoke and activate the metallic glazes,” exclaims Raynor. “My newest interest in clay is to transfer one of my photos onto clay, in a creation that enhances both. I’ve been able to do this with Polaroid emulsion lifts, transfers, and Liquid Light applications.”
Raynor is a retired speech pathologist from the Bradenton, Florida public school system. Her skills have been acquired through courses at Penland School of Crafts in Penland, North Carolina, Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Wild Acres in Little Switzerland, North Carolina.