Sutton Betti... more about the artist

Sutton Betti's sculptures are inspired from a stew of art forms; illustration from the early to mid 20th century, classical music, the Beatles, contemporary figurative painting and sculpture and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling. He is known and respected for his ability to render the human form with a spark of life. Betti's sculptures are clearly marked by an understanding of the human body and human experiences, but his handling of negative space and composition adds to the uniqueness of this young artists repertoire of works.

Born into a family of artists and musicians, Betti first discovered his creative talents using a pencil and paper. Drawing the things of childhood imaginations brought him new found joy and friendships. As an adult he began his classical training at San Francisco's Academy of Art College (now the Academy of Art University), cultivating his gifts in drawing, painting, sculpture and appreciation of human anatomy.

Not until Betti was hired as an assistant sculptor for Mario Chiodo did the artist realize his true calling in life. Working side by side with Chiodo's assistants on large scale sculptures gave the 24 year old aspiring artist the passion and drive to transform his talents from amateur to expert.

During a summer trip to Italy to study Michelangelo in 1998, Betti was inspired to follow in the path of traditional art. For a period of 5 years immediately afterwards the artist lived modestly in a small garage with no running water and focused his energies on technique and produced over 100 sculptures. Most of them have since been destroyed or consumed to give life to a future piece.

In the summer of 2004, Sutton was sponsored by Danielle Anjou to study stone carving in Pietrasanta, Italy. The artist’s second trip to Italy captivated his attention with more study and hard work, carving statuary marble and learning stone carving techniques used for centuries by master Italian craftsmen.

After moving to Loveland, the sculptor immediately found work assisting other artists. He soon became employed for the sculptor Dee Clements, assisting in enlargements, mold making, wax pouring and chasing, welding, metal chasing and patinas. Working with Dee Clements has given Betti the opportunity to refine his talents.

The experience of the past two decades has brought our artist to where he is today. Betti lives and works in Loveland, Colorado where he offers private lessons and mentoring to the young, aspiring artists.