Joe A. Rector

Who is Joe A. Rector?

Joe A. Rector was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the heart of Indian country. He is of Cherokee ancestry. He lived in Muskogee, then Tulsa Oklahoma for most of his life, until he retired. He then moved to Destin, Florida to be near his children until the time of his death in 2012.

Rector started drawing at about the age of five.

His first drawings were done by looking at comic book characters and drawing them. As a teenage artist he began to study all forms and styles of artwork on his own. Everything from commercial art and signs to fine art of various types, western art being his favorite.

Having a great interest in physical fitness, Rector became a champion weightlifter, setting several state records, two national and one world record. He developed an appreciation for great strength and body development. Incorporating this appreciation with his deep spirituality into his artwork has brought about portrayals of the American Indian and other Western characters that show the great strength of the active, robust early American.