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