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Schumacher says these cultures often use inge- nuity when making things, from objects of use to dwellings. She states, “I have found that limited resources often increases one’s creativity and opportunity for in- vention. Also, they share remarkable people who are closely tied to the land, nurture the place where they live, and con- tribute beauty to their environment and others with limited resources.” Schumacher is proud- est of a piece titled Kag- beni. She says, “The se- lection, piecing and hand stitching of textiles is informed by the sensory experience of a dust storm I experienced when trekking along the Kali Gandaki gorge in Nepal. I wanted to convey this particular place and experience with textiles — the selection of fabrics, how they were pieced, the selection of vintage silk and hand-dyed thread, and hand stitching that conveyed the sounds of wind and migration on horseback. It was my first work that combined my interest in map- ping/placemaking in architecture with the medium of textiles.” Schumacher enjoys the total immersion in the making and experi- mentation process. She says, “I work on multiple projects at one time. I like to combine long-term slow, hand sewing projects that take months to complete with short-term small works and experiments with new techniques that provide immediate gratification.” Away from design and art, Schumacher is married to a chemistry professor who is also a musician and photographer, and they have a 21-year-old son. She is passionate about travel, spending time outdoors, learning about other cultures, photography, hiking and gardening. Schumacher is also a dedicated advocate for creative economies. She has worked with the Alabama State Council on the Arts, Alabama Craft Council, and Design Alabama in various capacities. She says, “There is an increasing momentum of creative economies in the Southeast. This includes not only handmade products by artists, but also craft practices that bring people together to share knowledge, encourage creative practice, and contribute to creating sustainable local economies. Promoting the network of Alabama artists and or- ganizations that offer workshops for craft production and handmade products has the potential to enrich and economically strengthen the lives of local residents and visitors.” Recently, Schumacher has made two textile assemblages using cotton fabric remnants from Red Land Cotton. She says, “I’m excited about this opportunity and possible new directions inmy work that continue to map place with textiles while also sourcing remnant materials lo- cally.” Schumacher’s works can be purchased at the Signature Gallery in Atlanta and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts or at her website www.sherischumacher.com . She has an upcoming solo exhibition at the Wiregrass Museum of Art in Dothan January 17-March 19, or you can view her most current work and process on Instagram at @sheri_schumacher. n 18 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com Muktinath Kagbeni