#76 Steven Bieber on Project Quiver

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. 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