Comma Galore. How do I punctuate “however” in this sentence?

The importance of this piece, however, is probably better demonstrated in how much it has assisted me to be a photographer.

Maybe it should be like this?

The importance of this piece, however is probably better demonstrated in how much it has assisted me to be a photographer.

Solution 1:

When using however in this sense, as a synonym for "though" or "nevertheless," punctuate it as in your first version.

Since surrounding commas are commonly used for this sense of however, leaving one out leads the reader to believe that you are using however as a synonym for "in whatever way," and that makes the whole sentence confusing.