Blayne Prowse is a fletcher, spoon carver, and bowyer located in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia. After dabbling in the craft of bow making, he made a connection with a gentleman on Haida Gwaii who was milling his own arrow shafts. Pleased to continue crafting with his hands, Blayne took up the art of fletching. He did for many years, but when his supply of shafts dried up, he transitioned to spoon carving to satisfy the local market and to be able to spend more time with his family.

“I was finding I wanted to have some other creative outlet, so I started carving spoons.”

— Blayne Prowse

Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Blayne Prowse.

Episode Links:

https://www.instagram.com/stumpstalker/

⁠Project Quiver⁠ at Anchor Point Expeditions

Summary:

In this conversation, Todd interviews Blayne Prowse, a craftsman living in Haida Gwaii, who shares his journey from making arrows to carving spoons. Blayne discusses the challenges of living in a remote area, his experiences with bow making, and the artistry involved in crafting arrows. He reflects on his hunting experiences, the local environment, and the impact of logging practices on the availability of materials for his craft. The conversation concludes with Blayne's thoughts on future projects and aspirations.

Show Notes:

Blayne transitioned from making arrows to carving spoons for a more social and family-oriented creative outlet.

Living in Haida Gwaii offers a unique lifestyle, being closer to Southeast Alaska than mainland BC.

His journey into bow making began with a desire to see his projectiles in flight while hunting.

Blayne's first bow was made from a maple board, showcasing his resourcefulness and creativity.

He has a passion for woodworking, having started with whittling as a child.

Blayne's experience with arrow building was both artistic and labor-intensive, requiring significant time commitment.

He enjoys hunting but has shifted to rifle hunting in recent years due to time constraints.

The natural environment of Haida Gwaii is rich in unique flora and fauna, influencing his craft.

Blayne reflects on the impact of logging practices on local resources, particularly yew trees.

He is currently focused on spoon carving, utilizing local alder wood for his creations.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Blayne Prowse and His Craft

02:54 Life in Haida Gwaii: A Remote Community

05:44 The Journey into Bow Making

08:38 Transitioning from Arrows to Spoons

11:45 The Artistry of Arrow Making

14:29 Hunting and Archery Passion

17:26 Nature and Family Life in Haida Gwaii

18:32 Crafting Future Plans: Spoons and Wood Selection

20:10 The Art of Bow Making: Wood Choices and Techniques

24:47 Hunting with Tradition: Bow Types and Personal Experiences

28:38 The Emotional Rewards of Hunting: Bow vs. Rifle

33:30 Community and Culture: Hunting Traditions and Practices

#67 Blayne Prowse on Project Quiver

#66 Rick Spicer on Project Quiver