Growing up in Kyiv, Ukraine, I was immersed in the rich artistic heritage of Europe. My family's annual tradition of attending Kyiv's annual art fair fueled my appreciation for art, resulting in a growing collection of oil paintings depicting city scenes, landscapes, and still life. Trips to museums and art exhibitions were treasured family moments, and my grandparents' home was an art collector's dream. Their porcelain figurines, historical art, and intricately hand-painted tableware sets fascinated and inspired me.