About the Artist
I studied classical painting, drawing and sculpture at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco which eventually led me to a brief art career as an animator for a small company in Larkspur, CA. I soon started working in an accomplished sculptors studio learning all aspects of the sculpture business. By the middle of 2008 I had worked in three professional sculptors studios as the main/lead assistant and received my first large scale public art commission which gave me the momentum I needed to begin my own career. My sculptures are known for their life-like qualities and sensitive modeling techniques and I am thoroughly skilled in all aspects of the bronze casting business.
Artist Statement
I have been inspired to make sculptures of historical, sports and military themes because of my interest in people and ideas that are, what I consider, “larger than life”- those that go out of their way for a greater cause. This interest is partially due to my passion with the sculptures of the Renaissance and Baroque where larger than life heroes were often portrayed. But also, I was inspired by my late father David Betti whom I consulted with while creating large scale military monuments beginning in 2011. A former U.S. Marine during the Vietnam war, my dad worked tirelessly helping service members and their families in receiving veteran benefits. He was larger than life himself and I began focusing on military and historical sculptures because it was a great way to connect with my dad and share a common interest of honoring our veterans and remembering our past.
Exhibitions
2015 Old Monterey Fine Art Festival, Monterey, CA
2015 Art on the Rockies, Vail, CO
2015 Evergreen Fine Art Festival, Evergreen, CO
2015 Loveland Fine Art and Wine Festival, Loveland, CO
2013 Broomfield’s Choice Award, Art for Awhile art on loan Program, Broomfield, CO
2007-2014 Loveland Sculpture Invitational, Loveland, CO
2008-2009 Red Rocks Country Club Artwalk, Morrison, CO
2007-2010 Sculpture at the River Market, Little Rock, AR
2005 Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Art Exhibit, Santa Barbara, CA
2003 Dr. and Mrs. Russell Saphian Award, National Portrait Competition, St. Louis, MO
2003 Award of Excellence, California State Fair, Best of Shows Competition, Sacramento, CA
2003 Best in Show, Dixon May Fair Fine Art Competition, Dixon, CA
2003 Pastel Society of the West Coast, Art Exhibit, Carmichael, CA
2002 Art Connections, solo exhibit “Life as I see it”, Davis, CA
Education
1998-2009 studio assistant to Mario Chiodo, Danielle Anjou and Dee Clements
2004 Marble and Art Workshops, Pietrasanta, Italy
2004 Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara, CA
1995-1998 San Francisco Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA
1994 Sacramento City College, Sacramento, CA
1992-1993 Cuesta Community College, San Luis Obispo, CA