Photos: T.J. and Joe Young revitalize totem carving

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Tools of precision and gloves sit ready and always within reach of either T.J. or Joe Young.

T.J. Young always has an eye out for the perfect tree, particularly, but not exclusively, red cedar. The straighter the better. Once he sees it, his mind begins racing with series of questions.

How tall is it?

How wide is it?

If he were to take it, on what side would he want it dropped?

His older brother Joe Young has a few questions of his own. Just how big of a totem pole can he and T.J. produce from this tree? What other indigenous artwork -- a mask, a fish hook, a panel -- can the rest of the tree provide these Haida artists?

It's a constant cognitive exercise that accelerates once a totem pole project begins, and it continues with each measurement, each adze stroke and each chisel cut as a pole's features slowly emerge along a 25-foot log.

It's a journey that calls for navigating hidden timber imperfections: knots, dead spots where the wood has rotted and cracks that could continue splitting the length of the log if they are not careful.

"We've got to be patient and flexible," says 35-year-old Joe. "We've got to be disciplined and not distracted by other things; that means paying attention to things like wood grain changes and other variables you can't control."

It's a discipline that's driving a resurgence in totem pole art throughout Southeast Alaska and allowing the Youngs to join a class of emerging artists restoring a cultural centerpiece either absent for decades or in decay.