Our Story

My name is Mad Hesler and I am the creator and owner of Tongass Understories. I have made my home on Wrangell Island in Southeast Alaska for almost a decade now, a steep and forested community of around 1500 people. I am a paddler, lover of cold water, outdoor instructor, artist, and passionate forager. Art found me later in life as I realized my passion to preserve plants and give new life to items from the past. My work heavily centers around themes of wonder, microcosms, our connection with the outdoor world, combining style and function, along with honoring all parts of the earth.

My place on this earth started in Northern New Hampshire among the granite and white pines, I still find inspiration (and myself) from my first home.

I came to Alaska in 2015 and knew this was where I was meant to be for my life. For the past 10 years I have been working in the outdoor industry guiding paddling and backpacking expeditions throughout the rainforests and tundras of Alaska. I am grateful to call Southeast Alaska home; to forage, paddle, connect, and live off of. My inspiration comes heavily from my experiences in these deep woods; rarely do I spend time in them without learning something new about myself and this life.

During the pandemic I dove in headfirst with my art since my normal guiding job was not running. Tongass Resin has continued to grow with the intention of preserving tiny treasures from the Tongass and bringing new life to long forgotten works of art. Thank you for being here on this journey and for being part of this community, I couldn’t ask for much more in this life.