Sabin Howard is an acclaimed American sculptor known for his masterful use of classical techniques and his unique ability to harness the power of light in his work. Born and raised in Manhattan, with deep ties to Italy through his mother’s heritage, Howard’s artistic journey began with summers spent exploring Renaissance art in Italian museums. He studied at the Philadelphia College of Art and earned his MFA from the New York Academy of Art.
Howard has taught at both the graduate and undergraduate levels and served on the board of the National Sculpture Society. His works, which include heroic-scale sculptures such as Hermes, Aphrodite, and Apollo, have been exhibited globally and featured in numerous prestigious publications. His latest project, A Soldier’s Journey, a 58-foot-long bas-relief for the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., is considered one of the most significant memorial sculptures of the modern era.
Following are Sabin’s answers to Vingt Questions.
Favorite place to visit in France, and why?
The beaches of Normandy. That sacred place holds the souls of so many Americans and allies who truly knew what it meant to give all and to be in service of something greater than self. Their Valor was true and honest and lives with us forever.
Favorite place to visit in America, and why?
How could any America-loving patriot select only one place in this nation; a nation that offers so much beauty? I suppose, if I think of the places that bring me the most joy, I find them while riding my bicycle. So the hills and valleys, the mountains and seasides of Anytown USA always hold special appeal to me.
What do you think the French can learn from Americans?
Freedom. Not just in word, but in deed. Socialism is a pervasive ill that drains the ambition from best and the brightest. I’d like to see true Libertè thrive more unabashedly in France.
What do you think Americans can learn from the French?
The French have a fabulous sense of style and a gift for bringing to any occasion a certain flair and optimism.
Favorite French film?
I can’t speak to the art of film with any degree of persuasion, be it French, American, or otherwise as I spend so much of my life in the studio making art. When one is devoted to embarking upon truly consequential and culturally transformational work, there is little time for such opportunities.
The same answer would apply to a favorite actor or actress. Although, I must underscore that Kelsey Grammer should be considered an American icon! I’ve come to know him during his support as a spokesman on the National WWI Memorial and in so doing, I’ve become much better acquainted with his body of work. He is a very accomplished actor with a profoundly versatile talent.
Most important French figure in history and why?
I can’t speak to the way in which the French people may view or select a “most important figure” for themselves and for their nation. However, from my American standpoint, I believe Alexis de Tocqueville and Marquis de Lafayette were transformational in the founding and securing of our nation.
Most influential American figure and why?
That is a pretty expansive question begging a single answer. If we look at our Founding, we have dozens without whom we’d have no nation at all; if we look at any given conflict, we have had leaders during different periods who have saved Western Civilization by defeating fascism and communism; if we look at present day, we have the same vicissitudes – and leaders such as Donald Trump are very high in the discourse.
What is your favorite American luxury?
Nowadays…Freedom.
What is your favorite French extravagance?
A working sculptor has little time for extravagance. I’m going to leave it to the French to surprise me.
Favorite American food?
Steak.
Favorite French food?
Filet Mignon.
The quality you most admire about the French and Americans?
It’s a quality that I would admire among people of all nations and that is the thirst for liberty and freedom.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I have to say my greatest achievement is being a husband and father to a fabulous wife and daughters. But if you’re speaking to my professional achievement, the sculpture, “A Soldier’s Journey,” years in the making, that serves as the centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C. would – for the moment – top that list. The immense frieze tells the story of an American reluctantly answering the call to war—a deeply personal and individual story and the grand symbolic story of the nation all at once. Across five scenes and 38 larger-than-life-size human figures, it is nearly 60 feet long and ten feet high. It is poised to become the most significant memorial bronze of the modern age.
Stay tuned though – the next project closely guarded – will be even more jaw dropping.
Which talent would you most like to have?
The ability to answer 20 questions faster – so, speed. Just think of how many fabulous pieces of art I could create!
Name three people, dead or alive, who you would most like to have dinner with?
I’ll go to dinner with anyone who’s having a good steak!
Relative to your field of study, what is the most important tradition to keep alive?
Freedom… without it, an Artist has no latitude, no ability to engage, and no purpose.