Lyon's angels arise from adversity

NORTH CANAAN —  Angels are sometimes described as messengers of God but for Lucinda Lyon, they are messengers of joy — especially during the holiday season.

For four of the last five years, Lyon has created original art for the Geer Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Christmas card, where she is a resident. She alternates year-to-year between angels and cherubs (which are often depicted as baby angels, or celestial toddlers). Her inspiration comes from many places but she has even used her niece’s baby daughter as a model for her work.

She was asked to do the cards by Geer Chief Operating Officer John Horstman, who said he likes to give the opportunity to a resident to create a card design. He knew Lyon had a background as a commercial artist. Cards are sent to vendors, benefactors and others in the community. Lyon doesn’t recall that initial request, but offers a likely scenario.

“It probably was John coming to see me, laughing and telling a joke, and then saying, ‘By the way ...’� she said. “This year, he didn’t even want to look at a design idea. He just said he wanted an angel. I know what he wants now, and he knows what I do.�

Lyon’s half of her room at Geer is filled with furniture, memorabilia, family photos and her art. There is a bird feeder on the window. She is surrounded by the things a relatively young and vital person needs to feel at home. It was not long ago that she was still pursuing a career that included doing design work for newspapers and owning her own commercial art business. She has done work for stylish high-end companies such as Neiman Marcus.

She has also long been plagued by chronic illnesses, including a deteriorating spine, and lives a life of limited mobility and pain. She now needs oxygen around the clock.

Yet she has not lost the glow of a person who continues to find happiness in her life. Her eyes light up as she talks about her son, Christian, 28, who speaks nine languages and is a successful independent consultant. Daughter Olivia, at 24, is a thriving adult who is beating the odds of a genetic disorder.

Because her hands tend to shake, Lyon has adopted a stipling techinique for the initial pen work in her designs. She finishes with paint, sometimes a wash. In this year’s design, an angel wearing deep aqua and scarlet holds a draped banner with the word “Peace.� The angel’s face bears a notable resemblance to Olivia. Lines in the wings, pose, clothing and banner all sweep upward, giving the design a lightness that matches its message.

“I enjoy making them so much,� Lyon said. “I hope they give the recipients as much pleasure.�