#63 Nacho Marco on Project Quiver

Nacho Marco is a full-time bowyer based in Teruel, Spain. He is the creator and owner of Arcol, a traditional bow making school that blends craftsmanship and ancestral wisdom. He also carves custom primitive bows primarily of black locust, elm, and Osage orange for an international customer base. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Nacho Marco. Episode Links: https://arcolescuela.com/ https://www.instagram.com/arqueriaconmarco/ Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: In this conversation, Todd interviews Nacho Marco, a bow maker from Spain, who shares his journey into archery and bow making. Nacho discusses his early influences, the teachers who shaped his craft, and the artistic aspects of bow making. He also talks about his workshop setup, teaching experiences, favorite bow designs, and aspirations for the future. The conversation highlights the unique challenges and joys of bow making, as well as the importance of continuous learning in the craft. Show Notes: Nacho's journey into archery began in childhood with wooden bows. He learned bow making from various teachers, including David Antolin. Bow making allows Nacho to live a lifestyle close to nature. He enjoys hunting with his dog and playing the drums. Nacho's first bow was made from a stave he purchased. He believes black locust is the best wood for teaching bow making. Nacho teaches bow making courses with a focus on hands-on experience. He prefers self-knocks for their primitive essence over horn knocks. Nacho aims to improve his skills by learning from other bow makers. He values the decision-making process in working with imperfect woods. Chapters: Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nacho Marco and Archery 03:00 The Journey of Bow Carving 05:56 Influences and Mentorship in Bow Making 08:48 The Impact of Archery on Life 11:41 First Experiences in Bow Making 14:33 Workshop Setup and Tools 17:26 Teaching Bow Carving 20:21 Favorite Bow Designs and Techniques 23:16 Sourcing Materials for Bow Making 25:08 Exploring Unique Bow Woods 27:26 Future Aspirations in Bowmaking 30:23 Learning from Master Bowmakers 31:56 The Art of Bowmaking Decisions 38:39 Preparing for the Workshop Experience