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ABOUT US HELEN GOGA Originally motivated by a desire to build a family-based business where she could apply her business savvy, she left a managerial position. Using the same degree of dedication and determination she used throughout her business career, she taught herself the basics of making jewellery from wire. For that reason, she is especially sensitive to those who are just learning and takes great care whenever explaining a set of instructions. Sharing her artistic insights has led her to become the publisher/editor of The Wire Artist Jeweller magazine where she not only organized each issue but also photographed and wrote the instructions to each project. Taking care to present the instructions in a methodical manner, she is highly sought after as an instructor. Knowing how difficult it was for other wire jewellers to share their secrets — especially their patterns — she led by example and generously contributed many clever and original patterns of her own: Faceted Lopsided Heart (February, 2003); Victorian Pendant and Simple Pin (July/August, 2003); Renaissance Cab Bracelet and Hooped Earrings (September 2003); Don’t Bug Me — Paperclip Critter (May 2003); Forever Pin (November 2003); Wave Pin and Dragonfly Paperclip Pocket Pal (May 2004) — to name just a few. But what she was most proud of was how this magazine helped build a sense of community for wire-art jewellers and how that generated interest for wire jewellery in other publications. As the driving force behind The Wire Artist Jeweller magazine. Helen was suddenly called away from the publication when her son, Jason, became critically ill. Having aspirated during a convulsion, he developed pneumonia and then caught a "superbug" staph infection when he was hooked up to a respirator. Incredibly, he recovered and steadily improves. Though no longer publishing the magazine, Helen continues to support the wire-art community by introducing new publications on a yearly basis. Chains by Becky was released in the spring of 2006 and a new series under the title of WireJeweler will be released over the next four years. The first in this series is on earrings and findings and is now available. Welcome to the site — and enjoy your exploration!
When listed, these obstacles seem insurmountable: major craniofacial anomalies including premaxillary aplasia with midline clefting, hypotelorism, blindness in one eye, sensorineural hearing loss, edentulous jaws; cervical spondylosis with myelopathy; and tinnitus. There were numerous facial reconstructions, major surgeries on her neck - three over a period of 1-1/2 years involving decompressive laminectomy C3-C7; 75% partial C3, C4 through C7 vertebral body removal with fusion using a fibular bond graft with application of halo-ring jacket; and further work on decompressing C2-C3) - and the removal of 26 impacted teeth and insertion of biocoral implantable material with later insertions of 10 dental implants followed by a fixed bridge and removable denture. Becky's condition was the result of the translocation of chromosomes 6 & 7 causing holoprosencephaly & cleidocranial dysostosis. (Because of recent research on the Sonic hedgehog gene as a candidate gene responsible for holoprosencephaly, Becky's donation of her DNA to researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario eventually helped identify this gene.) Those within the medical community who know her were some of the first to applaud her achievements and marvel at her spirit. Whenever someone new meets this wonderful young lady, they assume that it has not been easy for her, but they are truly surprised at how much Becky has overcome. And how generous she is by passing along all those skills she has learned from others as they provided support and coaching throughout her personal journey. It's those skills that have made her a great jump-ring artist, and the amazing thing is . . . she has only just begun! For each artist, their journey represents a personal quest that starts with a simple query and ends in an adventure. Along the way, they strive for acceptance and approval. This acknowledgment is no different than the very basic need we all have to be part of a family and community. This acceptance is based on our ability to love ourselves, our family, our neighbours and our fellow man. Becky calls it "belonging to the tribe". As an artist, Becky credits another jump-ring artist, Ray Becker (see the October, 1999 issue), for inspiring her. Watching him transform a straight piece of wire into an intricate Byzantine pattern (known as King's Link) by simply using jump rings stirred in her the awakening of possibilities. When she worked through the pattern a few times, she saw another pattern and believed she had discovered a brand new design. Six months later, when she was told the pattern was known as the Queen's Link, she was naturally disappointed. But, when she recognized that creative minds can often make similar discoveries, that within the long history of jewellery making it is truly rare to design a new pattern, she embraced something far more empowering - her ability to work out designs instinctively. And she is hopeful that one day she will design a chain that no one else has thought of. Since that revelation almost two years ago, chain patterns have been spilling out - with each new one comes as many as three or four others as variations or new ideas that present themselves while she is exploring a pattern. With all the chains that she has made, Becky may have already realized her dream of developing a new pattern with a chain she fondly calls 'DNA'. Of those convictions Becky lives by, she unquestionably embodies her ability to "never give up" because she knows that this would be the worst thing anyone could do to themselves. She also believes that understanding your strengths and weaknesses - but focusing on your strengths - will definitely get results. She also knows that self acceptance is the first step to being part of any community - no matter what tribe that may be. So - hats off to Pooky. To reflect on one's achievements after such a journey is exhilarating - but it doesn't stop there. Though Becky has expressed an interest in becoming a gemologist, she has changed her focus. Currently attending university, she is working towards a degree in Social Justice and Peace, with the ultimate goal of becoming a librarian. Adversity is a great teacher, but success is even greater.
ALAN GOODING
True to the creed of the new retiree, Alan has now found time to do those things he has always dreamed of, woodworking and gardening being just two of his many pastimes. And, more importantly, he enjoys each glorious day with his best friend, the love of his life, his wife, Helen Goga. With three grown children and seven grandchildren, Alan's life has led him through various changes and challenges, all of which he has met with the same enthusiasm and interest that he presently expresses in all his interactions with family and friends. Alan's love for life is registered in his laughter and quick wit.
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To those
who love Becky Goga, she is fondly known as Pooky and, they add with a
happy smile, "the spunky brat". They can't help themselves, for she epitomizes
what it means to overcome adversity, and, they say with conviction, "She has done this with
great style, in an unassuming way. Yes, there have been tears, but it's
the laughter that she remembers."
Alan Gooding has spent more than 40 years in the publishing industry, having started his career in England. He is experienced in writing, public relations and printing but excels in graphic design. Though retired from publishing, he enjoys the occasional project, such as the latest books published by Helen Goga, where his passion for graphics can be expressed. 
