Growing up in Richmond, Virginia, in the 1950s, Joe Netherwood was influenced early on by his parents' emphasis on "truth, justice, and the American way." Television westerns and Saturday afternoon movies, featuring heroes like Roy Rogers, Hopalong Cassidy, and Gene Autry, shaped his first powerful impressions of the American West, where good triumphed over evil. These larger-than-life images left a lasting impact and inspired his early artistic vision. Throughout his childhood, Joe developed a deep fascination with the West - a place where, to him, anything seemed possible. This connection was further strengthened when he was stationed in Texas during his service in the U.S. Air Force.

After leaving the military, Joe worked as a des...