Skinnerville
The Skinnerville characters were developed from imaginary explorations in clay and finger puppets. After moving into Haydenville and hearing about the flood of the Mill River of 1874, these characters became part of an imaginary world after such a disaster by industrial dam collapse. They have gone through several incarnations since their creation in drawing, sculpture, masks, one play, digital three-dimensional sculptures, prints and more as their stories developed. The works shown here are digital sculptures for imagined memorials of each of the primary characters in the story of Ram Brandt, a somewhat unsuccessful house painter accidentally turned artist that resided in Skinnerville.
I continue to visit these characters throughout my career as I continue to gain insights about about their community.
Ram Brandt
A somewhat unsuccessful house painter unintentionally turned... it is a long story… artist.
Oscar
Ram Brandt’s agent, promoter and questionable friend who always seems to disappear and show up in Ram Brandt’s life at the “perfect” time.
Uncle Diddly
Origins are unknown. He just showed up naked one day, later, believed to be an astral projector but leaves his clothing always behind on each projection. Hung around with Oscar and Ram Brandt.
Aunt Lydia
Recipient of the golden cane award for oldest member of the community. She is in continual struggle to maintain her authority as the grand matriarch of Skinnersville.
Mr. Purdue
Respected member of the community, advisor many and owner of the small local store for food and supplies.
Mrs. Purdue
Mr. Purdue’s ever faithful and over-loving wife that increasingly annoys her husband.
Mr. Jordan
Lawyer, landowner, developer and major landlord. He employed Ram Brandt to paint the new cheap houses/rentals he had constructed.
Herman G. Goyle
An adolescent gargoyle who visits relatives and friends in Skinnerville. He is only 35 and going through the common insecurities of his young age.