Originally from San Diego, California, Morante earned a BA from San Diego State University. He followed his studies with a year studying foundry techniques in Pietrasanta, Italy. Currently, Morante works at the Johnson Atelier—he came to the organization in 1977 as an apprentice, prompted by late sculptor Herk Van Tongeren, who had been his professor in college. Morante has exhibited extensively at colleges and galleries within the tri-state area, and has been an instructor for numerous workshops held at a variety of educational facilities including Grounds For Sculpture.