Joe Velázquez' fascination with the emergence of our nation has led him to the exploration of the many stories that may have occurred during this short but colorful time in history. His focus is primarily on the fur trade era encompassing the Mountain Men, Voyageurs and the northern Native American cultures. He is diligent with the historical accuracy of the accouterments used in depicting the stories of this period in time while portraying the passion and tenacious spirits of the characters who may have traveled those trails.

Joe began his journey as a creative thinker very early in life. While his father was away from home during World War II, his mother would treat him with crayons and paper when she returned from her shopp...