I started collecting vintage decorative plates so that I could paint them. While some of the plates are standalone pieces that pay tribute to certain words or popular culture subjects, this series is autobiographical. My goal is to create a big enough series to highlight some of the most meaningful, heartbreaking and memorable moments in my own life. There are just a fraction of the series I have painted so far.

I first became interested in the idea of using plates because I liked how available they are in thrift stores – it’s a way I can create art more sustainably with what already exists in the world. But I also believe plates hold a special place in our lives – we gather around dinner tables with them; they are both decorative and utilitarian. I considered the works both Julian Schnabel and Judy Chicago have created around plates.

I ultimately want to use words and graffiti to transform these antiques into something new, meaningful and partly literary. Here are elements of grief, humor and activism at work. My goal is to be able to showcase the entire series in a gallery or museum space.