Salish Wolf

Jaap Bolt is a bowyer and archer based out of Amsterdam. Since he was a teenager he has been making and selling high quality bows that have earned him and international reputation. As an archer, he has competed extensively and credits mindfulness and meditation for helping him to regulate his mindset and emotions, and contributing to him becoming a national champion in the Netherlands.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Jaap Bolt.         

Episode Links:
https://www.instagram.com/boltbows/
https://www.facebook.com/jaap.bolt.1
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions

Summary:
In this episode, Jaap Bolt shares his journey from childhood fascination with medieval weapons to becoming a passionate bowyer and competitive archer. He discusses his technical evolution, mindset shifts, and the joy of returning to primitive bow carving. In this episode, Jaap Bolt shares his journey from blacksmithing to bow carving, exploring the therapeutic aspects of woodworking, and his plans to teach bow making through a digital course. Discover insights into craftsmanship, patience, and the passion that fuels a lifelong pursuit of art and archery.

Show Notes:
Jaap Bolt's early interest in medieval weapons

The story of making his first longbow in his teens

His technical evolution from flatbows to recurves and fiberglass bows

The importance of mindset and mental training in archery

How meditation and self-awareness improved his performance

The challenges of bow making and selling at a young age

The significance of patience and experimentation in craftsmanship

His plans to return to primitive bow carving and competitions Jaap Bolt's transition from blacksmithing to bow carving

The therapeutic benefits of woodworking and bow carving

Plans for a digital bowyer's course and teaching methods

The importance of patience and craftsmanship in bow making

Use of traditional and modern tools in woodworking and bow carving

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to the guest’s background and connection with Amsterdam
00:23 - Personal experiences visiting Amsterdam, favorite spots, and local insights
02:28 - The origin story of archery and bow carving from childhood interests
05:03 - Early influences, Viking centers, and first handmade bows
09:00 - Transition from traditional to modern bows and shooting techniques
12:21 - The role of competitions in archery and evolving goals
13:37 - Technological and mindset shifts for improving archery performance
16:50 - The impact of meditation and inner work on personal growth
20:43 - Overcoming insecurities and embracing self-validation in craft
24:00 - The ongoing journey of personal development through bow making
28:50 - The progression from beginner to professional bowyer and selling bows as a youth
33:58 - Seasoning and drying wood for bow craftsmanship
36:24 - Experimenting with recurves, laminations, and extreme bow designs
38:22 - The challenges of maintaining and developing complex bows
41:55 - The shared journey of passion, external validation, and inner transformation
45:05 - The importance of experimentation and shifting toward traditional craftsmanship
50:42 - Returning to primitive bow carving and the nostalgic connection to the craft
55:09 - Lessons from bow carving that aid personal growth and patience
58:55 - The therapeutic nature of bow making and its mental health benefits
63:11 - The digital future: plans for an online course in bow carving
66:42 - The role of woodworking and teaching at a local school
73:36 - The influence of family, mentors, and community in shaping craft and passion
85:00 - Inlay work, arrow passes, and materials such as horn and bone in bow building
88:35 - The origin of the bowyer’s brand “Bolt Bows” and online presence
94:16 - The intersection of archery, storytelling, and holistic healing practices
96:40 - Reflections on a passionate life dedicated to craft, family, and sharing stories

Néthanel Hersent a bowyer based in Dordogne, France, where he not only carves bows, but also makes knives and axes, forging the metal and using byproducts of bow carving for his handles. He carves bows under the brand of Raven Selfbows.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Néthanel Hersent.         
Episode Links:
https://www.instagram.com/raven.selfbows/
https://www.instagram.com/the_forge_of_raven_selfbows/
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions
Summary:
In this episode, Nétha Hersent shares her journey into bow making, her techniques, challenges, and the inspiration behind her craft. Discover how she combines traditional skills with modern tools to create beautiful, functional bows and knives.
Show Notes:
Nétha Hersent's background and introduction to archery

The process of making bows from black locust and other woods

Challenges in bow design and profile adaptation

Use of traditional and modern tools in woodworking

The influence of YouTube tutorials and community

The significance of the raven as a totem and brand symbol

Nétha's workshop setup and tools

Her approach to knife and axe making

The impact of bow making on her personal life and resilience

The future of her craft and community collaboration

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:12 The Journey into Archery
04:43 Crafting the First Bow
11:10 Wood Selection and Techniques
15:05 Challenges in Bow Making
21:51 Business of Bow Making
27:16 The Raven Self Bow Brand
30:08 Crafting Knives and Tools
32:46 The Art of Bow Making
39:41 Design and Detail in Bow Handles
43:39 Bow Hunting in France
49:15 Bow Making as Therapy
52:29 Community and Collaboration in Bow Making
54:15 Testing and Improving Bows
57:25 Connecting with Customers and Future Plans

Martin Birk is a bowyer based in Bornholm, Denmark, an island in the Baltic Sea, where he also teaches archery. He carves bows under the brand of Birk Bows and is known on social media as the Scandinavian Archer.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Martin Birk.         
Episode Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Scandinavianarcher
https://www.instagram.com/scandinavian_archer_/
https://www.youtube.com/@scandinavianarcher
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions
Summary:
In this episode, Martin shares his journey into traditional bow making, the local Danish environment for bow woods, and his unique approach to archery and craftsmanship. Discover insights into sustainable harvesting, different bow styles, and the cultural landscape of primitive archery in Denmark.
Show Notes:
Martin's background and environment in Denmark

Sustainable harvesting of bow woods in Denmark

Different types of bows: self bows, laminates, and modern styles

The cultural landscape of archery in Denmark

Techniques and tools for bow making

The role of patience and craftsmanship in bow making

Archery as a meditative and recreational activity

The influence of history and lineage in bow making

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:58 The Influence of Geography on Bow Making
05:58 The Journey into Bow Making
08:54 Materials and Techniques in Bow Making
11:56 Types of Wood and Their Characteristics
15:07 Crafting Techniques and Bow Styles
18:00 Personal Connection to Bow Making History
22:06 Crafting Passion: A Family Tradition
23:51 Archery as Meditation: Finding Peace in Practice
26:40 The Art of Bow Making: Techniques and Materials
27:17 Selling Bows: The Market and Pricing Strategies
28:44 Leather and Horn: Crafting Details in Bow Making
29:48 Exploring Wood Types: From Sapwood to Heartwood
34:14 Hunting Regulations in Denmark: A Costly Pursuit
37:12 Teaching Archery: Embracing Individual Styles
40:32 Instinctive vs. Aiming: Understanding Shooting Techniques
47:57 Exploring Archery Styles and Techniques
51:56 The Journey of Boxing and Competition
54:20 Family Life and Hobbies
56:41 The Workshop Experience
01:02:03 Lessons from Bow Making
01:09:04 Learning Resources and Mentorship
01:11:29 Branding and Online Presence

Erica Cardinale is a bowyer based in Raleigh, North Carolina, who likes to push the limits of bow carving. While not carving with any commercial intentions, she aims to create the most beautiful and functional bows, often gifting them to others who appreciate them.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Erica Cardinale.         
Episode Links:
https://www.instagram.com/_airkah/
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions
Summary:
In this episode, Erica shares her inspiring journey of bow making, from initial failures to creating artful, high-performance bows. We explore her process, tools, and the philosophical insights behind her craft and life.
Show Notes:
Erica's journey from failure to mastery in bow making

Tools and techniques for traditional bow crafting

The role of forums and community in learning craftsmanship

Philosophy of hobbies as a form of meditation and escape

Sustainable use of natural resources in bow making

Innovative projects like double bows and horn bows

The importance of patience and respect for materials

The influence of art and craftsmanship on personal growth

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Relocation Journey
02:58 The Archery Genesis Story
05:58 Learning and Resources in Bow Making
09:00 Tools of the Trade
11:46 The Artistic Side of Bow Making
15:02 Family and Community in Bow Making
17:55 Workshop Setup and Techniques
20:56 Bow Types and Materials
24:01 Philosophy and Challenges in Bow Building
31:39 The Journey of a Bowyer
36:00 The Philosophy of Giving
41:06 Hobbies vs. Passion Projects
45:58 Exploring New Techniques in Bow Making
51:05 Future Aspirations and Environmental Concerns

Born on the Caribbean island of Barbados, Patricia spent her formative years travelling and living on boats. It was during this time that she developed her love of the art of archery, all thanks to a green-clad archer and his merry men. With literary heroes like Robin Hood, Ivanhoe, and the White Company, Patricia pursued her passion for archery throughout her academic career, incorporating the art into all aspects of her education.
With over 30 years of experience and training, Patricia specializes in ancient and traditional archery weapons, tools, and techniques. She now teaches the theories, styles, and techniques of ancient, traditional and historical archery to students at her own archery school, Lykopis Archery in Vancouver, BC. In addition to passing along her knowledge to the next generation of traditional archers, Patricia also promotes accurate Hollywood portrayals of archers in her role as archery consultant for the popular television series “Arrow.”
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Patricia Gonsalves.         
Episode Links:
https://lykopis.com/
https://www.instagram.com/epicallyarcher/
https://www.instagram.com/lykopisarchery/
https://www.facebook.com/LykopisArchery/
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions
Summary:
In this conversation, Todd interviews Patricia Gonsalves, the owner of Lykopis, an archery school in Vancouver. Patricia shares her journey of starting Lykopis, her experiences with the Arrow TV show, and her passion for traditional archery and bow crafting. She discusses the unique urban setting of her business, the influence of her early experiences with archery, and the joy she finds in teaching others the craft of bow making. The conversation highlights the cultural significance of archery and the importance of hands-on skills in today's digital age. In this conversation, Todd and Patricia explore the multifaceted world of archery, focusing on the unique workshops offered at Lykopis, the philosophy of teaching archery as a martial art, and the therapeutic benefits of engaging in archery and bow crafting.
Show Notes:
The Conquest Cup is a major archery competition.

Nomad Games celebrate traditional and indigenous sports.

Bow crafting involves various techniques and materials.

Historical bows tell stories of their time and use.

Cultural heritage is an important aspect of archery.

She was involved in the Arrow TV show, handling all archery training and props.

She believes archery is a significant part of human history and culture.

She aims to create a supportive environment for women in archery.

She values the hands-on experience of crafting bows with students.

Patricia emphasizes the importance of archery as a martial art.

Breath work is integrated into archery practice for better focus.

Archery can serve as a therapeutic outlet for personal challenges.

Students are encouraged to find their own aiming style.

Archery is seen as a global practice that resonates with many.

Patricia's experiences highlight the community aspect of archery.

The simplicity of archery can be beneficial for mental health.

Chapters:
00:00 Navigating Events and Atmosphere in Vancouver
02:58 Cultural Significance of Archery and Historical Competitions
06:10 Exploring Traditional Archery and Its Global Connections
10:10 The Conquest Cup and Its Impact on Archery
11:25 The Nomad Games: A Celebration of Indigenous Sports
21:01 Diving into Historical Bows and Their Significance
24:02 Personal Experiences with Archery and Cultural Heritage
32:24 The Journey of Starting Lykopis
42:55 Patricia's Archery Journey and Early Influences
46:28 Involvement with Arrow TV Show
50:57 Exploring Bow Crafting and Cultural Influences
66:23 Archery as a Martial Art
70:01 Breath and Focus in Archery
72:09 Progressing in Archery Skills
75:51 Archery as Therapy and Personal Growth
80:23 The Therapeutic Nature of Archery
83:45 Closing Thoughts and Future Connections