“The sum of its parts”

One is what one does, or in some cases, thinks he does. The following fragmentation of events or accomplishments goes to the sum of who I am...an artist, inventor, real estate developer. I used to think this was such an odd mix, that I was nearly apologetic when asked, “and what do you do?” But here’s how it happened.

In the third grade, I was considered the resident school artist. Teachers would have me draw all sorts of murals on walls covered in white butcher paper for the other students to color in. To this day, (if she is still alive) I believe Mrs. Shaffer, my fourth-grade teacher, has that pastel drawing of a rooster I did, hanging over her breakfast table.

As an inventor, I have had numerous patent searches made as well as various prototypes built for interlocking brick designs, electrically powered paint brush cleaner, and the “Wonder Weeder”, a garden implement. I do have a design patent on the latter, but it has eluded production.

As a real estate developer, I have developed numerous residential and commercial subdivisions in the Dallas area, as well as several restaurants and retail centers; and this has been my livelihood over the years.

I feel that all of the above have contributed to my artistic endeavors.

My innovative nature is reflected in my work and I tend to be experimental. For me, a cut-out stencil, a pasted fragment of an earlier work, a shot of spray paint, a smear of pigment: these begin the visual process in my work. I think back to Texas (U.T. Austin) and teachers like Vincent Mariani, Michael Frary, and William Lester; and try to recall the rules of composition and color, in order to resolve the work as I see it.

Just like every element is made of so many smaller particles, every person is a sum of so many different events, life-changing experiences, accomplishments, and failures.

Jerry Skibell