#86 Patricia Gonsalves on Project Quiver

Born on the Caribbean island of Barbados, Patricia spent her formative years travelling and living on boats. It was during this time that she developed her love of the art of archery, all thanks to a green-clad archer and his merry men. With literary heroes like Robin Hood, Ivanhoe, and the White Company, Patricia pursued her passion for archery throughout her academic career, incorporating the art into all aspects of her education.

With over 30 years of experience and training, Patricia specializes in ancient and traditional archery weapons, tools, and techniques. She now teaches the theories, styles, and techniques of ancient, traditional and historical archery to students at her own archery school, Lykopis Archery in Vancouver, BC. In addition to passing along her knowledge to the next generation of traditional archers, Patricia also promotes accurate Hollywood portrayals of archers in her role as archery consultant for the popular television series “Arrow.”

Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Patricia Gonsalves.         

Episode Links:

https://lykopis.com/

https://www.instagram.com/epicallyarcher/

https://www.instagram.com/lykopisarchery/

https://www.facebook.com/LykopisArchery/

Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions

Summary:

In this conversation, Todd interviews Patricia Gonsalves, the owner of Lykopis, an archery school in Vancouver. Patricia shares her journey of starting Lykopis, her experiences with the Arrow TV show, and her passion for traditional archery and bow crafting. She discusses the unique urban setting of her business, the influence of her early experiences with archery, and the joy she finds in teaching others the craft of bow making. The conversation highlights the cultural significance of archery and the importance of hands-on skills in today's digital age. In this conversation, Todd and Patricia explore the multifaceted world of archery, focusing on the unique workshops offered at Lykopis, the philosophy of teaching archery as a martial art, and the therapeutic benefits of engaging in archery and bow crafting.

Show Notes:

• The Conquest Cup is a major archery competition.

• Nomad Games celebrate traditional and indigenous sports.

• Bow crafting involves various techniques and materials.

• Historical bows tell stories of their time and use.

• Cultural heritage is an important aspect of archery.

• She was involved in the Arrow TV show, handling all archery training and props.

• She believes archery is a significant part of human history and culture.

• She aims to create a supportive environment for women in archery.

• She values the hands-on experience of crafting bows with students.

• Patricia emphasizes the importance of archery as a martial art.

• Breath work is integrated into archery practice for better focus.

• Archery can serve as a therapeutic outlet for personal challenges.

• Students are encouraged to find their own aiming style.

• Archery is seen as a global practice that resonates with many.

• Patricia's experiences highlight the community aspect of archery.

• The simplicity of archery can be beneficial for mental health.

Chapters:

00:00 Navigating Events and Atmosphere in Vancouver

02:58 Cultural Significance of Archery and Historical Competitions

06:10 Exploring Traditional Archery and Its Global Connections

10:10 The Conquest Cup and Its Impact on Archery

11:25 The Nomad Games: A Celebration of Indigenous Sports

21:01 Diving into Historical Bows and Their Significance

24:02 Personal Experiences with Archery and Cultural Heritage

32:24 The Journey of Starting Lykopis

42:55 Patricia's Archery Journey and Early Influences

46:28 Involvement with Arrow TV Show

50:57 Exploring Bow Crafting and Cultural Influences

66:23 Archery as a Martial Art

70:01 Breath and Focus in Archery

72:09 Progressing in Archery Skills

75:51 Archery as Therapy and Personal Growth

80:23 The Therapeutic Nature of Archery

83:45 Closing Thoughts and Future Connections