Taking Plates to a Whole New Level

At Dishfunctional, we’ve always believed dishes aren’t just dishes. They carry memories, traditions, and a kind of timeless beauty that can be reinvented again and again. That’s the “fun” in Dishfun and the “functional” in Dishfunctional.

Recently, we’ve been inspired by artist Rob Strati, whose exhibition Miniatures & Monuments at Fremin Gallery in New York shows exactly how far a plate can go when you think outside the china cabinet and dinner table. This latest exhibition is a continuation of Rob’s “Fragmented” series.

TOUR THE ARTIST'S EXHIBIT HERE

The Origin of Fragmented | From Epidemic to Epic

The series was born from an accident during epidemic seclusion, when Strati's wife dropped and broke a porcelain plate that had belonged to her late mother. 

• Instead of being discarded, large fragments of the heirloom were kept in their kitchen.

• Strati found himself inspired by the potential for a new story to emerge from the broken pieces.

• The first piece created from the project was a "love letter" to his wife and mother-in-law, and its positive reception was the catalyst for the entire series.

  

The artistic approach behind the series explores how small fragments can take on greater significance. Rob's work redefines the broken pieces- turning them into anchors for expansive new narratives. 

Strati takes fragments of broken porcelain plates and, instead of discarding them, transforms them into something extraordinary. He extends their patterns with delicate pen-and-ink drawings, turning what was once shattered into imaginative landscapes, architectural scenes, and reimagined symbols

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Key concepts in the series include:

• Loss and transformation: The process reflects how moments of destruction can become catalysts for creation and how pain can evolve into something new.

• Expansion of narrative: Ink is used to extend the original design from the plate fragment onto paper- often creating surreal landscapes. This visually demonstrates how the stories of the past can expand into new realities.

• Personal and collective history: The vintage plates carry histories and memories that resonate with many people who recognize the patterns from their own or their family's lives. This allows the work to be both a personal story for the artist and a space for viewers to connect with their own histories.

It’s a reminder that beauty doesn’t end with a chip or a crack- it just opens the door to something new.

Here at Dishfunctional, we see that same spirit every day. Whether you’re shopping our shelves for fine china, silverplate, or a unique vintage find, we know the best treasures are the ones that tell a story, spark an idea, or find new life in your home.

So next time you pick up a plate from our store, think about the possibilities:

• A dinner plate that doubles as wall art

• A teacup that becomes a planter

• A platter upcycled as a centerpiece base

Like Rob’s work, your tableware doesn’t have to stay in one lane. With a little creativity, dishes can go from traditional to totally unexpected.

We celebrate that journey- from table to décor to artpiece and beyond. Sometimes, the most memorable finds are the ones that surprise you, motivate you, or spark creativity.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DOeGALTjR3R/?hl=en

Dislcaimer: We make no claim to the photos or video links included in this message. They've been included for the sole purpose of sharing, supporting and congratulating Mr. Strati on his works and talents.

#VintageStyle #ChinaPlates #PlateArt #CreativeDecor #UpcycledDesign #VintageInspiration #HomeDecorIdeas #DishwareLove #RepurposedArt #TabletopTreasures #ArtInspiration