Close your eyes and take a deep breath in. What does it smell like? Weathered wood? Sawdust? If you smelled that too, it’s likely because we stepped into Ike Wynter’s woodworking workshop (try saying that 5x fast).
In his Milwaukee studio, he’s transforming recycled pieces of wood into artistic expressions of positivity for people, sports teams, brands, and communities – without using a drop of paint or smear of stain.
We dove deep into his background in our interview with him earlier this year, which you can watch here – but, we wanted to check back in now that his life has gotten very busy, and very big.
You’ve likely seen his viral videos on social media, but for those of you who are unfamiliar with Ike, now’s your chance to witness the incredible movement this wood artist has created through his art.
Any stories or inspirations from your youth that have defined your path?
I think growing up being enamored with the city here, and also the fact that we have such a strong dedication to our sports fanbases here, YET we are the smallest market and considered the “underdogs” in most sports.
I love the fact that I grew up being a Green Bay Packer fan because I always remember thinking “how can this small little city have a chance to be THIS great time and time again”. I was super inspired by that mantra always.
Can you talk a little bit about your career journey? How’d you get to where you are now?
Haha – It has been all over the place. I was NEVER an “artsy” kid growing up – I wasn’t the one drawing things or taking art classes. I did, however, start a band when I was 14 years old, and it QUICKLY took off.
We were playing the Rave and all over Wisconsin quite a bit all throughout high school, and then started touring all over the US once I turned 18. I did that until I was 23 and then started a Junk Removal company with my brother.
It grew to become a very large company that does millions of dollars in revenue now and employs 20+ people – but I left it at 28 years old to pursue a weird passion for finding wood on the side of the road and turning it into art.
That’s what I get to do full time now, and I have made art for the Milwaukee Brewers, The Milwaukee Bucks, Mike Tyson, & was the featured artist at the 2025 NFL Draft.
Can you talk more about your community involvement or volunteer experience?
I schedule visits at various schools throughout the community and speak to kids about pursuing their passions in life instead of just taking a more traditional route.
I have also partnered with some big companies to donate my time to speak to adults about mental health.
What are some ways you have impacted the community in your line of work?
I think just honestly by pursuing my craft and my passion in life. I am only 1 man, and my life’s work is heavily within my curation of my art and storytelling my journey online – so, I just hope that translates to people within our community to SHOW them that whatever you want to become in life IS possible.
What do you like about living in Milwaukee?
I love our grit, our wholesomeness. Our camaraderie as a city. Our beauty.
Our endless underdog story of being a “forgotten” city in our country.
What do you want to see for Milwaukee’s future?
I want to see people from Milwaukee flourish within their own thing. That’s all I care about.
Any other parting words or pieces of advice?
We, as humans, GOT to wake up today. Don’t ever take that for granted.