A Voice For Art: Sabrina Howard
Sabrina Howard is a full-time artist and mom of four. For the last twenty-five years, she has made her living as a graphic designer and webmaster.
Sabrina Howard is a full-time artist and mom of four. For the last twenty-five years, she has made her living as a graphic designer and webmaster.
Her work is seen throughout the city at places like the Blackburn Middle School Learning Garden, a Fertile Ground Project mural titled “Sowing the Seeds of Love.” Her latest, “Chainbreakers,” is on the side of the COFO Center at JSU, depicting West Jackson community leaders.
As of this year, Howard calls herself a full-time fine artist. She cited the COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst for the increase in work that incorporates racial and social justice themes.
“I wouldn’t say it’s because everyone wants art from me, but because of the type of art I create, there’s a need for it to be seen and out there,” Howard said. “I feel society realizes that artists have a voice. They say, ‘Look at these ideas. We can resolve some problems with this stuff.’ There’s more of a need now than when things seemed to be ‘normal.’”
Much of Howard’s work is an expression of what she sees happening in her community. But, still, she says, she must pay the bills.
“Right, now, it’s one big ball, and as a creative, what am I creating today? ‘I’m going to pay bills with this painting and this one: I need to get it out because people need to see it.’ It’s like ‘art-activist-mom.’”
See Howard’s work at sabrinahoward.com and on Instagram at @sabrinahowardart.