Born in August 1969, I grew up in a large Catholic family. As I grew older, the artistic gene from my great grandma Veller became more prominent. I graduated from Mater Dei High School in 1987. Four days after my 18th birthday I joined the army.
After basic training, advanced infantry training, and airborne school, I was assigned to the 101st airborne division. During those four years with the Screaming Eagles, I graduated from Air Assault school, served a six month tour in Sinai Egypt and became a combat veteran during the Gulf War. I served another four years in the Indiana National Guard at which time I graduated number one in my class at Sergeant school and participated in the Sergeant exchange program with the British. Through the eight years of my military service, I never stopped drawing.
After the military, I married and focused on raising my son and daughter. During that time period, I used my art to ground myself before I even knew what grounding myself meant. It took me 25 years to seek help in dealing with events that took place in Iraq.
In October 2021, I taught myself to oil paint. A lifetime of following a wandering star lead me to our local art community. I now enjoy volunteering at the Evansville Wartime Museum, where several of my pieces are on display. I also demonstrate my art technique to grade school children touring the Museum. Maybe I can inspire a young artist. - Ken Eppler
