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Artist Profile: Sheri Schumacher B Y K RISTI G ATES G ROWING UP IN M UNICH , G ERMANY , S HERI S CHUMACHER WAS EXPOSED TO DESIGN AND ART AT AN EARLY AGE THROUGH THE BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED S CANDINAVIAN FURNITURE IN HER HOME , M ARIMEKKO FABRIC OF HER MOTHER ’ S CLOTHING , AND LIVING IN E UROPEAN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS RICH WITH ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY . chumacher began cre- ating design and art full time in her early 20’s as an undergrad- uate studying design. During that time, she also studied figure drawing, book arts, and paper making. After graduate school at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan, Schu- macher came to Auburn to teach in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction. Schumacher says, “As a student, professional, and professor in the discipline of design, I have always blurred the boundaries between design and art.” Schumacher currently works primarily with tex- tiles, often using repurposed textiles, linens, and clothing in her work. She began working with textiles six years ago and three years ago transitioned from teaching to working on textile assemblages in her studio full time. In the past, she’s worked with mixed media, pho- tography, papermaking, wood and metal, often using sustainable and repurposed materials in her work. One thing that’s remained con- stant is the inspiration she draws from the culture and architecture of foreign locales she’s lived in or visited. She says, “Specific cultures that inspire me include Nepal, Mexico and Ecuador. I also incor- porate a range of sewing techniques from other cul- tures such as kantha stitching of India, sashiko stitch- ing of Northern Japan, and pojagi seam technique of Korea.” 16 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com CULTURE ................................................................................................................................... S