January 24, 2025
The story of The Dolphin Studio Calendar’s January 2025 image - told by the artist (Crispina here).
I drew this image from a photograph my friend Mary took of one of her sheep. (Mary had a whole bunch of little lambs with more coming every day right now!)
Mary and I go waaay back. We went to school together from elementary right on through to graduate from Monument Mountain Regional High School in Great Barrington, MA.
Mary went on to Harvard University in Boston while I attended Massachusetts College of Art and Design in the same metropolitan area yet we didn’t really cross paths until years later.
The first time I remember connecting with her as an adult was at a giant concert venue in the mirror of the ladies’ room. Peering in the reflection after cooling my face and seeing her stroll by was unexpected and so fun to catch-up.
The next time we had that opportunity was in the suburbs of Boston when two cyclists sped past my morning run, circled back and sure enough - it was Mary and her beau - HA! What kismet!
Serendipitous meetings have continued which gives us both a good chuckle. We now both live in The Berkshires not far from where we grew up and we both run our family businesses.
Her multi-generational family legacy in animal husbandry has resulted in notable and well respected breed development of sheep and cattle. Her flock of a few hundred are bred for wool and meat and easy birthing. Small heads, clean legs, the softest most luxurious wool and they tell me their meat is tasty too (although I am a wool-wearing vegan).
Mary took the reins at Lila’s Mountain Farm, from her mom (Lila) a few years ago. She saw possibility in developing their wool into a line of tight-knit gorgeous, unisex sweaters to help her farm become financially stable. I was lucky to purchase one of her first sweater collection - which sold out in no time. It is actually my favorite sweater (which is saying something if you know my history in the wild world of wool sweaters).
In just two years it is clear that there is high demand for Mary’s Berkshire grown sweaters knitted with Lila’s Mountain Wool. Mary and I are working together to increase sweater design and production.
In this day of micro-plastic shedding synthetic fiber clothing, it is a true blessing to have the opportunity to develop a wholesome, locally produced, natural fiber, farm supporting, long wearing, highly functional, and comfortable alternative.
Oh and just take a look at these gorgeous animals living the best sheepy life imaginable. Go to Lila’s Mountain Wool to see more and order yourself a sweater if there are any available.