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. 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 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 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 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 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
