Robert Lee Apple was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation of South Dakota. His family never had much and often moved from place to place. When Robert was about 5 years old the family lived in a log cabin out in the prairie, without water or electricity. It is of this time that Rob remembers his mother, Phyllis Apple, first teaching him art. By the light of a kerosene lamp she taught Robert to tell stories by using drawings. These stories were of a very long time ago and Robert remembers them to this day. His mother taught him to use his imagination and always dream big.

He has entered and won awards in several art shows such as the Red Cloud Indian Art Show.
Robert is married to Sophia Apple.

Robert is the proud father of four daughters: Kimberly Jo Apple, Carrie Marie Apple, Whisper Rose Apple and Leah Marie Apple. He also is the proud grandfather of two, Wambli Tehila Libby and Everett Libby. Robert is passing on his skills to the next generation so the spirit of the Lakota Oyate will continue.

Robert watched his grandmother and mother do beadwork and quillwork and walked with them many miles when they went to town to sell their work. When Robert was old enough he was instructed in bead and quill work by his grandmother, Rebecca Apple. The first thing she taught him was how to remove the quills from the porcupine itself by using a pillow. His grandmother on his father's side, Zoey Mousseaux, taught him how to sew and how to make Lakota Star Quilts. Ever since those early days Robert has practiced many different mediums of arts and crafts and learned all he could from his family and fellow Lakota elders and artists.