"Yurok Medicine" bow pics

[gordonf]

Here is a bow that is collaboration between a friend (Brad Shirts) and I. For the last couple of years Brad has been bringing me pictures of some West Coast bows that he liked. I finely got the hint and committed that I would build him a bow that he could then decorate in any manner he pleased. Our first attempt failed as the vine maple stave over-dried and exploded during the tiller process. This spring Brad found a nice piece of serviceberry which I roughed out and built into a bow. Brad prepared the sturgeon skin, designed and executed all the artwork, inlaid the arrow pass, applied the finish and did the handle work. My wife, Jayne, lettered the bow.

Here are the specs: service-berry, 65" ntn, 65# @ 28", cocobolo tip overlays, sturgeon-skin backing, natural brain tanned elk handle, walrus ivory arrow pass, carved bone and abalone beads on the handle tags, Tru-oil finish. Brad christened the bow  "Yurok Medicine".

Brad is taking it on its maiden elk hunt this weekend. With mojo like that, I would be very afraid if I were an elk!

BTW, that is Brad in the pictures.

[vermonster13]

Very cool!

[Flatstick]

That is a great looking bow! Alot of mojo in that one, great job and I wish him good luck on his hunt!

[Ghost Dog]

One more collection of photos for the "Gordo" folder.

[the Ferret]

OMG Gordon, that is a jaw dropper. Absoluetly stunning!  Tiller is perfect.    

The colors are so brilliant. What was the pigment?

[gordonf]

Mickey,

Brad used acrylic paint pens for the art work. I then fixed the colors with spray shellac which was followed by several coats of Tru-Oil. The final step was rubbing out the finish which really brought the colors to life.

Thank you all for the compliments!

Gordon

[Gil]

A very nice bow there..

Gil

[Grayishhues]

That is a fantastic looking bow. I love the backing!

[sticshooter]

OOOLALA! that looks very cool indeed.<><

[TimZeigler]

Very very nice.  Love the skins, and the artwork.

[fredbear92]

beautiful!  

[mmgrode]

Simply awesome!!!!  Now that's what I call mojo! Cheers, Matt

[LONGHORN]

Awesome    

[BamBooBender]

Another beaut from Gordonf. You got the skills man!

[gordonf]

James,

Thank you but I cannot take all the credit. I simply provided the canvas upon which Brad performed his artistic magic. This bow was a true collaborative effort.

Gordon

[the Ferret]

Gordon, just showed this to my wife Dianne..all she kept saying was WOW....WOW...WOW. I think that means she liked it. LOL

[BamBooBender]

Gordon, true the artwork is awesome, but I guess I look at tiller first. All in all a great lookin bow.  

[ber643]

Gordon and Brad - Beautemous!

[gordonf]

Mickey,

I've never met Dianne, but it is obvious she is a very cool "dude" if she is impressed by this kind of stuff.  :cool:

[Yellowsnake]

WOW!  beautiful bow!  You need to show that bow off over at the Primitive Archer website.