MILWAUKEE — Phillip Ankney spent the start of his adult as a Marine serving overseas.
Once he got out of the military, he wasn’t sure what path to pursue. He worked many different jobs, but every time, something always pulled him back to woodworking.
Creating pieces of art out of wood, was always a passion of his. He has since turned it into a career. He opened his own woodworking and remodeling business in Milwaukee called “With The Trees Design Build.”
“Definitely, this is the path I am going to be on for a long time,” Ankney said. “Or, as long as I can at least.”
Ankney’s workshop is his happy place.
“I definitely like being here and spending a lot of time,” he said.
He’s gaining a lot of exposure and success by showcasing some of his work at summer and fall art fairs around Wisconsin.
For Wisconsin Craft president, Jeans Wells, it’s an honor to watch the growth of artists like Ankney.
“It’s just a real pleasure to see my colleagues thriving and surviving, and we are all working together to support one another,” Wells said.
Ankney said he’s finally found his true calling in craftsmanship.
“I’m doing something useful and purposeful,” he said. “I think I am contributing and doing something helpful.”
If you’d like to see Ankney’s work, he will be opening his workshop to the public during the next MKE Studio Tour on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
You can find more info on that event here, MKE Studio Tour.