Skaer delves into the history of objects. Across various mediums, she extends, conceals, and appropriates the use of pre-existing objects, forging new and often ambiguous associations. Frequently working with objects of natural origin, her reinterpretations blur the boundary between cultural time and geological time. A persistent theme in her work is an exploration of authenticity, as she substitutes and reproduces historical events and objects, juxtaposing ephemera and simulacra from disparate periods.

In 2013, Skaer participated in "Tradition," an exhibition at Kunstverein alongside Willem Oorebeek and Christopher Williams, which examined the collection of the Center for Social Research on Old Textiles. Her Available Fonts series offered an expansive interpretation of CSROT's historical collection.

Skaer was shortlisted for the Turner Prize in 2009 for her sculptures Black Alphabet and Leviathan Edge. Additionally, she represented Scotland at the 52nd Venice Biennale in 2007.