Sabin Howard on Art's Decline, Patriotism, and Monumental Sculpture

The Decline of Modern Art

• 🎨 Modern art is criticized for losing its way, becoming "crap" because it no longer represents humanity or serves a cohesive philosophy.
• 💡 The shift away from a divine order and the concept of God, particularly after World War I, led to art that is nihilistic, ironic, and pokes fun at existence.
• 🏛️ Philosophers like Camus and Sartre, with their "God is dead" perspective, influenced art to move away from representing humanity's value and gift.
• 🚫 Art has become attached to status and money, maintained by a system of galleries and museums that perpetuates the status quo, alienating the public.

Sabin Howard's Artistic Philosophy

• ✨ Howard believes art should be in service of humanity, aiming to elevate consciousness and help individuals become their best versions.
• 🗽 He advocates for a return to classical forms but with a contemporary, visceral, and exciting approach, not a mere imitation of the past.
• 🤝 Art should not be about the artist's ego but about contributing to one's country and community, fostering a sense of shared purpose.
• 🌟 His work aims to be emotional and meaningful, inspiring people to be better humans and realize their life's potential, a contemporary take on the Renaissance spirit.

The Soldier's Journey: A Monumental Achievement

• 🎖️ The National World War I Memorial in Washington D.C., "The Soldier's Journey," is a massive bronze sculpture depicting the hero's journey.
• 💔 The sculpture portrays the conflict between service to country and family, the horrors of war, and the resulting shell shock and alienation.
• 🇺🇸 It culminates with a father returning home, handing his daughter his helmet, symbolizing the weight of the next generation and the future.
• 🗣️ Howard emphasizes that the project broke through bureaucratic hurdles, a "miracle" achieved through vision and determination, honoring veterans and contemporary society.

The Grand Liberty Arch Project

• 🗽 Howard is undertaking a monumental private project, the Grand Liberty Arch, in Salt Lake City to celebrate America's 250th birthday.
• 🗺️ The arch symbolizes a new paradigm and a redefinition of American identity, focusing on pride in country and freedom.
• 📜 Relief panels will depict the philosophy of American history, from the nation's inception through westward expansion and the Civil War.
• ⛰️ The project is driven by a belief in rugged individuality and the entrepreneurial spirit, contrasting with what Howard perceives as a "woke BS" culture in the East.

Inspiration from Italy and America

• 🇮🇹 A recent trip to Rome, including mass at Il Gesù, reinforced Howard's belief in faith, heroism, and the importance of being in service.
• 🚫 He notes that Europe has become somewhat "shut down" and lacks the entrepreneurial dynamism he finds in America.
• 🇺🇸 Returning to the U.S., Howard felt a profound sense of pride in the American flag, recognizing the freedom to pursue his artistic vision.
• 🤝 He found a welcoming and supportive community in Salt Lake City, essential for undertaking large-scale projects like the Grand Liberty Arch.