Go WAY back to the late 80's where the first app that I used was a little thing called Swivel 3D/MacRenderMan created by a startup called Pixar... It was tough to use and not a very powerful modeler, but the possibilities were endless with Renderman. Very simple models became these beautifuly textured pieces and I was hooked. Soon came Electric Image, ShowPlace, Typestry, Lightwave, 3D StudioMax, and finally Maya. It's been a fun ride!