Contemporary Western culture is often portrayed as being fearful of mortality – our destiny to die. Referencing traditional 16th Century religious memento mori and vanitas paintings, I create contemporary depictions with objects representing mortality – the living and the dead, and vanity – consumption and excess. I am attracted to the beauty of, and meanings to be found in these compositions. They unsettle and challenge me to consider the purpose of my existence and my values. Memento mori and vanitas Still Life compositions, though inanimate, draw the viewer in to reflect about the ephemerality of existence, eventual death, and the superficiality of life.