Steven Bieber is a bowyer based in Florida. Under his brand, Provision Bows, he makes primitive bows for both hunting and target shooting. He is also interested in sustainable food production, herbal medicine, and is a teacher at a Waldorf school.

“The art of the selfbow to me is like the art of self reflection. ”

— Steven Bieber

Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Steven Bieber.

Episode Links:

https://www.instagram.com/provisionlongbows/

https://www.youtube.com/@provisionlongbows8881

https://www.facebook.com/StevenBieber

Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions

Summary:

Discover the fascinating world of traditional bow making through an inspiring conversation with Steven Provision, a master bowyer dedicated to craftsmanship, sustainability, and connecting with nature. This episode explores the deep spiritual and cultural significance of bows, the art of working with natural materials, and the journey of self-discovery involved in creating these iconic instruments.

Show Notes:

Steven's personal journey into bow making inspired by childhood fascination and Native American traditions
The relationship between wood, spirit, and the bowyer, emphasizing intuition and mindfulness
Techniques and tools for heat bending and shaping bows, including the use of traditional and modern tools
The importance of sustainable materials like Osage orange, black locust, and red elm
The spiritual and therapeutic benefits of carving and crafting self bows
The story of a remarkable healing experience with acupuncture and holistic medicine
Challenges of teaching sustainable agriculture and instilling respect for nature in students
The impact of community, relationships with wood suppliers, and passion for craftsmanship

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Steven Provision's journey into bow making
02:15 - Childhood influences and early experiments with bows
04:50 - The revival of bow making for hunting and self-discovery
07:10 - Inspiration from Native American crafts and Ed Scott’s legacy
10:30 - The spiritual connection with wood and the bowyer’s relationship to nature
13:45 - Making a whitetail deer hunting bow from personal experience
17:00 - Sustainable practices in agriculture and teaching the next generation
19:10 - The healing power of holistic medicine and acupuncture in life stories
24:40 - Differences in teaching younger vs. older students about nature
27:05 - The importance of relationships with wood suppliers and sourcing materials
31:55 - The meticulous process of shaping and tillering bows without pulleys
36:23 - The influence of cultural stories and personal history on bow design
40:10 - Demonstration of different bow styles and designs with technical details
45:30 - Creating bows inspired by animal forms, like the Cape Buffalo
49:00 - The use of heat bending, tools, and intuition in crafting bows
54:00 - Developing a consistent shooting performance and design philosophies
60:00 - Parting thoughts on sustainability, community, and the future of bow making
76:50 - Closing remarks and where to find Steven’s work and upcoming book

#76 Steven Bieber on Project Quiver

#75 Zdenek Lences on Project Quiver