Per Friden is a bowyer based in Sweden who has been carving bows for nearly ten years. He is also a forest manager tending to 3000 hectares of Swedish public land, and feels fortunate to spend so much of his time among trees. Per and his bows can be found on Instagram @nordic_selfbows.

“I started out making bows kind of like an outlet, and from there it’s been kind of my yoga.”

— Per Friden

Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Per Friden.

Episode Links:

https://www.instagram.com/nordic_selfbows/

Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions

Summary:

In this conversation, Todd and Per explore the journey of bow building, discussing its therapeutic nature, the learning process, and the community surrounding the craft. Per shares his experiences as a self-taught bowyer, the materials he uses, and the joy he finds in crafting bows. They also touch on the importance of archery in Per's life, his teaching experiences, and the connection between nature and craftsmanship. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of pursuing a passion for bow making.

Show Notes:

Per started bow building as a therapeutic outlet during a tough time in his life.

Bow building combines Per's love for the outdoors and working with his hands.

He learned bow making primarily through YouTube tutorials and trial and error.

Per enjoys sharing his knowledge with others through teaching bow building classes.

He prefers to carve bows for himself rather than taking commissions.

The community of bow makers in Sweden is small but supportive.

Per finds joy in the variety of materials available for bow making.

He emphasizes the importance of focus and presence while crafting bows.

Per's work as a forest manager informs his understanding of wood selection for bow making.

The connection to nature is a significant aspect of Per's bow building experience.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Bow Building Journey

02:45 The Therapeutic Nature of Crafting Bows

05:37 Self-Taught Skills and Community Connections

08:30 Materials and Techniques in Bow Making

11:24 The Personal Connection to Archery

14:17 Teaching Bow Building to Others

16:55 Challenges and Learning in Bow Crafting

19:41 Tools and Techniques in Bow Making

22:43 Exploring Unique Woods and Materials

25:48 The Therapeutic Benefits of Crafting

28:09 Journey into Carpentry and Home Renovation

28:42 A Career in Forestry Management

30:59 Daily Life in Forestry

32:45 Public Access and Wildlife Encounters

34:48 Family Life and Outdoor Activities

36:26 Seasonal Changes and Outdoor Pursuits

37:59 Life in Gothenburg and Travel Plans

39:56 Innovations in Bow Making

43:20 Social Media and Craftsmanship

49:24 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Workshops

#59 Per Friden on Project Quiver

#58 Simon Kehl on Project Quiver