Artistry runs through my veins. As a child, I grew up admiring paintings by my grandaunt Mary Uhl, great grandmother Alice Apfelbach, great uncle Ferdinand (Fedy) Hotz, and father Ed Apfelbach. The way my relatives captured the movement and emotions of natural scenes intrigued me: how could one possibly create a piece of art that speaks to all the senses? Not too long into my college career studying communication at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, I realized my creative needs were not being fulfilled. A part of me craved the relaxation and exploration of painting. But why? I had never painted before, besides the abstract pieces I created during my childhood when my parents plopped me in front of an easel and gave me the freedom to paint whatever I wanted. I believe I found painting because I have been given the gift of creativity, curiosity, and grit, in order to carry on my family’s legacy, as well as discover my own painting style and philosophy.