Sutton Betti regards himself as a classical sculptor with his inspiration coming from Michelangelo. Maybe it was a book on this Italian master given to him by his grandmother that prompted his interest or maybe it was his visit to the Sistine Chapel. Although as a young man, Betti was more interested in music than in sculpting.

What may have changed his mind is working as an apprentice for a sculptor and learning the fine points of public art. He was among 15 other assistants allowing him to make the transition from an amateur to a professional. He added to his knowledge with three years at San Francisco's Academy of Art.