Artist Statement
My name is Sharon Berrum. I have recently emerged into the art community here in Central Oregon. My family moved to the Crooked River Ranch area in 2005. Soon after our arrival we meet others who shared our passion for working with wood, which resulted in the formation of Wil-O-Wind Designs in order to promote our art.

In 2008 I acquired a CompuCarve computerized carving machine by default. I purchased the CompuCarve for my husband before realizing all projects must be designed on a computer…and he had no knowledge of computers. So, I studied all the manuals and decided I could learn to operate the carving machine. From the time the first project emerged from the CompuCarve I was totally captivated and during this last year have been engaged in producing a variety of unique projects. I started out with simple signs and now have expanded my repertoire to more complicated signs, wall decorations, clocks, and the latest… a sailboat-barometer table piece.

I prefer to use recycled wood when planning many of my designs, although other woods do find their way into my projects. My adventure into the world of wood is in its infancy and I certainly look forward to offering the public an every expanding array of artwork.

Art, in its many forms, has always been a large part of my life. Whether, as a child living along the pristine Oregon coast, starting my family in the Sierra foothills of Nevada, spending 25 years in Alaska or the 10 years in the Spokane, Washington area I have always had a variety of art project in progress. I’ve worked with ceramics, dabbled with oil/acrylic and watercolors, and spent 10 years as a soft sculptured doll artist. As a doll artist I exhibited or sold my creations in various venues. Now, whenever I can get away from the carving machine, I still love to produce my art dolls.

The other members of Wil-O-Wind Design developed a line of furniture made from recycled Napa Valley wine barrels. Each piece of furniture emanate a little of the Old World, nevertheless blends exceptionally well with most styles of furniture.

About Sharon Berrum
My name is Sharon Berrum and I am a member of a group called Wil-O-Wind Designs. Our group is fairly new to the Central Oregon art scene. Three friends, who enjoy the art of woodworking, established Wil-O-Wind Designs in 2008. We have recently emerged from doing commission work to offering our art pieces to the general public.

Two of our members use recycled Napa Valley wine barrels to produce a wonderful line of Old World flavored furniture; tables, fruit bowls, lazy Susan’s and candle holders. The time they spend recycling the wine barrels shows their love of woodworking. Their craftsmanship in designing has lead to some very useful and unique pieces.

My contribution to this group is carved, hand-painted signs and various other items produced on a CompuCarve computer controlled carving machine. My art tends to be one-of-a-kind. I use a lot of recycled woods, along with other art mediums, in my projects.

Being part of this group has helped each member expand their talents and explore ideas we might not have ventured into on our own.

Artist Code: SBA