At an early age, Jared Parkinson was introduced to primitive skills by his grandfather, who taught him to nap arrows and make atlatls and his own quiver for arrows. When Jared was 18, his grandfather gifted him a longbow, and from there, Jared’s passion for archery and bow making began.

“That sense of peace runs deeper with the way that a self bow feels in your hand and the connection that you have with it.”

— Jared Parkinson

Jared is now a bowyer and a basket weaver and is dedicated to a life of primitive survival skills in his home state of Washington.

Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Jared Parkinson.

Episode Links:

https://www.instagram.com/primitive_alchemist/

Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions

Summary:

In this episode, Jared discusses his journey into traditional archery, the peace it brings, and the deep connections to nature and culture through craft. Discover how these ancient practices can transform modern lives and restore our connection to the natural world.

Show Notes:

Jared’s start and evolution in bow making, influenced by family and primitive skills
The spiritual and meditative qualities of shooting primitive bows
The significance of ritual, ceremony, and rites of passage in human culture
Practical insights into bow carving, design choices, and materials
Wilderness therapy as a transformative experience and its influence on Jared’s craft
The role of mentorship and community in passing down traditional skills
The project of documenting and collaborating with bowyers around the world
The importance of connecting with nature through fire, ritual, and mindful practice
The impacts of modern distraction and the restorative power of primitive skills

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Jared’s background in primitive skills and archery
02:07 - How family and early experiences ignited Jared’spassion for bow making
05:12 - Primitive bows versus modern bows: connection and peace
06:55 - The relationship with wood and material selection in bow crafting
08:31 - Exploring different bow styles and materials, and future projects
09:48 - Sourcing and working with various wood species for bows
11:07 - How archery practice serves as a meditative and spiritual ritual
12:42 - The role of breath, focus, and flow in shooting
14:15 - Hunting and wilderness experiences in Washington State
15:54 - Jared’s journey through wilderness therapy and its impact on his life
18:25 - Hunting with traditional bows and the emotional connection to animals
20:06 - Family involvement in hunting and bow making aspirations
21:36 - Jared’s personal workshop and his current projects
22:49 - Crafting with natural materials, including quivers and leatherwork
24:45 - The importance of ritual, fire, and community in personal growth
26:48 - The significance of wilderness therapy in Jared’s story
28:29 - Wilderness work, safety, and personal development experiences
30:43 - The power of shared fire and storytelling in community building
32:03 - The importance of connection, ritual, and shared nature experiences
35:17 - Addressing societal disconnection and the value of ritual and craft
36:50 - The role of tradition in overcoming addiction and societal issues
38:25 - Connection to ancestors, the natural world, and the importance of DIY skills
40:03 - Carving as a meditative process and current craft practices
41:42 - Bow design preferences and wood choices in Jared’s work
44:52 - The beauty and significance of horn overlays and traditional adornments
47:54 - Willow basket weaving and foraging for natural materials
50:57 - Jared’s side business and the broader value of primitive skills
51:40 - The philosophy behind "Primitive Alchemist" and the pursuit of harmony with nature
53:36 - Mentorship, legacy, and family influence in traditional craft
54:24 - The approach to designing and selecting staves for bows
57:13 - The process of layout and focusing on grain patterns during carving
58:16 - Tools for bow making: draw knives, rasps, and special tools
59:53 - The value of stave presses and heat correction tools
61:30 - Influence of Pacific Northwest styles and native design elements
64:26 - Local woods like ocean spray and sourcing native materials
67:36 - The inspiration from mentors Pete and Jamie, and the cultural revival through bow crafting
71:31 - Traveling and documenting bowyers worldwide as a spiritual and cultural journey
77:59 - The creative process as a way to find purpose, community, and inner peace
80:13 - Archery as healing, mindfulness, and a link to ancestral practices

#78 Jared Parkinson on Project Quiver

#77 Markus Nyström on Project Quiver