Marc-Andre Levesque started North River Archery as a hobby after being medically let go from his job—but that hobby quickly turned into a passion. We sat down with Marc-Andre to learn how North River Archery began, the materials he uses, and where he sees the business heading.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about how North River Archery got started? What inspired you to start building traditional bows?
A: North River Archery started after I was medically let go from my job and suddenly had time to focus on something new. I’ve always loved traditional craftsmanship and the outdoors, so I picked up bow building as a hobby. It quickly became a passion.
Q: What draws you to traditional archery specifically? Is it the craftsmanship, the history, the feel—something else?
A: Honestly, it’s all of it. The craftsmanship is incredibly rewarding, and there’s something special about shaping a bow by hand. But it’s also the history. Bows have played a huge role in human survival and culture. Knowing that connects me to something much bigger. Traditional archery isn’t just about shooting an arrow—it’s about honoring the skill, the roots, and the story behind it all.
Q: What role does wood selection play in your builds? How do different species affect performance or aesthetics?
A: Wood choice is crucial. For bows, stability and consistency matter just as much as looks—that’s why I love using thermally modified wood. Different species also add their own character. Some offer more strength, others bring contrast or beauty. It’s about finding the right balance between function and aesthetics.
Q: How did you first come across Obsidian Ebony? What made you decide to try it in your bows?
A: I was originally looking for quality hardwoods local to the region, things like maple and ash. When I came across Obsidian Ebony and saw that it was made right here in New Brunswick, it immediately caught my attention. Its rich, dark tone felt perfect for accent work. Knowing it was stabilized and locally produced made it even more appealing. It just felt like a natural fit for the kind of craftsmanship I was aiming for.
Q: How does Obsidian Ebony compare to other exotic woods you’ve used?
A: I’ve never worked with anything quite like it. Obsidian Ebony has this deep, rich color that, once polished, shines like black ice. It’s visually stunning. Since it’s resin-infused maple, it also has more weight and density than most woods I’ve used, which adds a solid, premium feel. The consistency and finish quality are what makes it stand out.
Q: For those who’ve never held one of your bows—what do you think sets them apart? What do people often say when they first pick one up?
A: People often mention the feel and the detail. I like to mix exotic woods with modern materials like carbon or fiberglass, and I put real thought into the color, species, and origin of each wood. It’s that mix of tradition and innovation that makes each bow stand out.
Q: There’s an obvious artistic element to your bows. How do you balance form and function?
A: I believe both form and function go hand in hand. A bow should perform well and showcase craftsmanship. I carefully select materials and designs to ensure beauty doesn’t compromise performance. It’s a challenge, but with precision, I can get the balance just right.
Q: How important is sustainability to your process? Has using alternatives like Obsidian Ebony changed your thinking around wood sourcing?
A: Sustainability is important to me. Using local, responsibly sourced materials like those from ThermalWood Canada is a big advantage. Working with alternatives like Obsidian Ebony has made me more conscious of sourcing, but I always focus on using high-quality, sustainable options that perform well.
Q: What’s been your proudest build so far—and what made it special?
A: My proudest build so far is the one featuring Amboyna Burl and Obsidian Ebony. The combination of those exotic woods, along with the craftsmanship that went into it, made it really stand out. It’s not just about the materials; it’s about the story behind each choice and how it all came together. That bow truly captures the essence of what I’m trying to achieve with North River Archery: beauty, performance, and a connection to the materials.
Q: Where do you see North River Archery going next? Are there new ideas, materials, or styles you’re excited to explore?
A: It’s hard to say since North River Archery was initially just a hobby, but I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far. I’m always open to exploring new materials and ideas, and as demand grows, who knows what might come next? Only time will tell, but I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.