Digest

This episode of EconTalk features a conversation with Sculptor Saban Howard, the creator of the World War One Memorial in Washington DC, titled "Soldier's Journey." The memorial is a 58-foot wide bronze wall depicting 38 figures, following the story of a soldier's journey from home to battle and back. Howard discusses the concept behind the memorial, the lack of a national monument for World War I in the past, and his personal connection to the project. He emphasizes the importance of art in communicating emotions and experiences, contrasting modernism with traditional art and highlighting the importance of unity and connection. Howard reflects on the repetition of history and the role of art in revealing truth, embracing his traditional artistic style and arguing against the corrupt system driven by financial gains in the art world. The conversation delves into the sculpting process, highlighting the meticulous and time-consuming nature of creating a bronze sculpture and emphasizing the importance of human touch and traditional techniques. Howard discusses the importance of drawing skills and a European mindset in sculpture, reflecting on the importance of service and the sacred in his artistic practice. He acknowledges the collaborative nature of his project and the challenges of managing a team of artists, concluding with a discussion on the loss of the sacred in Western art and the potential for renewal through his sculpture.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Guest Introduction

The podcast begins with an introduction to Econ Talk and its host, Russ Roberts. The guest for this episode is Sculptor Saban Howard, the creator of the World War One Memorial in Washington DC.

00:00:34

The Soldier's Journey Memorial and its Significance

Saban Howard discusses the concept behind his World War One Memorial, titled "Soldier's Journey." The memorial is a 58-foot wide bronze wall depicting 38 figures, following the story of a soldier's journey from home to battle and back. Russ Roberts questions the timing of the World War I Memorial, considering the lack of a national monument for the war in the past. Saban Howard explains the historical context, highlighting the United States' less significant involvement compared to Europe and the subsequent focus on World War II.

00:19:43

Saban Howard's Artistic Approach and the Nature of Art

Saban Howard shares his personal connection to the project, drawing from his Italian heritage and exposure to the counter-war movement during the Vietnam War. He emphasizes his deep hatred for war and love for humanity, which motivated him to create a unifying memorial. The conversation shifts to the nature of art, with Russ Roberts referencing Tolstoy's view of modern art losing its connection to the human soul. Saban Howard agrees, emphasizing the importance of art in communicating emotions and experiences, and his goal to evoke feelings in viewers through his sculpture.

00:31:32

Modernism vs. Traditional Art and the Sculpting Process

Saban Howard contrasts modernism with traditional art, highlighting the separation and alienation prevalent in modern art. He argues for the importance of unity and connection in art, drawing parallels to the social dynamics of a pack of dogs. The conversation delves into the sculpting process, highlighting the meticulous and time-consuming nature of creating a bronze sculpture. Saban Howard emphasizes the importance of human touch and the value of traditional techniques over technology and 3D printing.

00:51:35

The Importance of Drawing Skills, Service, and the Sacred in Art

Saban Howard discusses the importance of drawing skills in sculpture, emphasizing the need for three-dimensional thinking and the decline of these skills in modern art education. He attributes his own mastery to a European mindset that prioritizes learning and skill development over immediate self-expression. Saban Howard reflects on the importance of service and the sacred in his artistic practice. He sees his work as a service to something larger than himself, connecting him to a universal human experience and the legacy of great artists from the past.

01:01:32

The Collaborative Nature of Art and the Loss of the Sacred

Russ Roberts acknowledges the collaborative nature of Saban Howard's project, highlighting the large team involved in its creation. Saban Howard discusses the challenges of managing a team of artists, the importance of finding the right collaborators, and the evolution of the sculpture's style as he took more control over the process. Russ Roberts reflects on the loss of the sacred in Western art, citing examples like the Jewish cemetery in Prague and the empty churches of Europe. He asks Saban Howard how he reconciles his respect for the Renaissance with this loss. Saban Howard sees his sculpture as a potential for renewal, a return to the human touch and the importance of craftsmanship.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the concept behind Saban Howard's World War One Memorial, "Soldier's Journey"?

  The memorial tells the story of a soldier's journey from home to battle and back, depicting the physical and psychological toll of war. It follows the soldier's experiences, including his family life, his time in the trenches, and his return home.

• Why is there a lack of a national World War I Memorial in the United States?

  The United States' involvement in World War I was less significant than that of European countries, and the subsequent focus on World War II overshadowed the earlier conflict. Additionally, the war was seen as a traumatic experience for the United States, leading to a reluctance to commemorate it.

• How does Saban Howard's personal background influence his approach to the memorial?

  Saban Howard's Italian heritage and exposure to the counter-war movement during the Vietnam War instilled in him a deep hatred for war and a love for humanity. He wanted to create a memorial that would unify people and celebrate the shared experience of American soldiers.

• What is Saban Howard's view on the nature of art and its connection to humanity?

  Saban Howard believes that art should communicate emotions and experiences, allowing viewers to connect with the artist's vision. He aims to evoke feelings of empathy, understanding, and reflection through his sculpture, capturing the human cost of war.

• How does Saban Howard's artistic style differ from the modern art world's obsession with the new and edgy?

  Saban Howard embraces a traditional artistic style, drawing inspiration from the Renaissance and emphasizing skill, craftsmanship, and representation of the real world. He rejects the modern art world's focus on shock value and financial gain, instead prioritizing the creation of meaningful and enduring art.

• What is the significance of the sculpting process in Saban Howard's work?

  Saban Howard emphasizes the importance of human touch and traditional techniques in sculpting, rejecting the use of technology and 3D printing. He believes that the human hand and mind are essential for translating emotions and experiences into art, creating a unique and personal connection between the artist and the viewer.

• How does Saban Howard's European mindset influence his approach to art?

  Saban Howard's European upbringing instilled in him a value for learning, skill development, and a respect for tradition. He sees art as a craft that requires dedication, practice, and a deep understanding of history and technique.

• What is the role of service and the sacred in Saban Howard's artistic practice?

  Saban Howard sees his work as a service to something larger than himself, connecting him to a universal human experience and the legacy of great artists from the past. He believes that art can elevate the human spirit and inspire a sense of awe and wonder, reminding us of our shared humanity.

• How does Saban Howard manage the collaborative nature of his project and the challenges of working with a large team?

  Saban Howard acknowledges the importance of finding the right collaborators and the challenges of managing a team of artists. He emphasizes the need for clear communication, shared vision, and a willingness to learn and adapt. He also highlights the importance of taking ownership of the project and making decisions that reflect his artistic vision.

• How does Saban Howard reconcile his respect for the Renaissance with the loss of the sacred in Western art?

  Saban Howard sees his sculpture as a potential for renewal, a return to the human touch and the importance of craftsmanship. He believes that art can once again play a role in elevating the human spirit and reminding us of our shared humanity. He hopes that his work will inspire a new movement in art, one that values tradition, skill, and the human experience.

Show Notes