According to Wikipedia, "Memento Mori is the medieval Latin theory and practice of reflection on mortality, especially as a means of considering the vanity of earthly life and the transient nature of all worldly goods and pursuits.*" and "In art, memento mori are artistic or symbolic reminders of mortality."

I create memento mori to illustrate my perception of contemporary vanities. I also like to venerate bits and pieces of objects that have lost their original meaning. Like an archeologist trying to construct significance out of unearthed fragments, I try to assign importance and significance to everyday objects found outside of their intended context.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memento_mori