Artists Registry

Joey Infante

New York NY United States

http://joeyinfante.com
View
593076_85.jpg
593076_79.jpg
593076_80.jpg
593076_81.jpg
593076_82.jpg
593076_83.jpg

Dreams? No, nightmares, is more like it. Terrifying dreams that would keep me awake staring at the ceiling in the darkness of my room, afraid of moving or turning over on my side, in fear that someone or something may attack me from behind. I listened to all the creepy sounds a house makes that can only be heard in the stillness of the night. My closet door had to be left open and my room inspected by my parents each and every night to assure me that no one was lurking in the shadows. Terrified, I usually ended up in mom's bed.

I learned, through the power of suggestion, to stop the dreaming or at least not to remember them. "Oh God! Please don't let me dream. I don't want to dream", was my nightly prayer. It took a few years to master the technique of self-imposed hypnosis and finally, the dreaming subsided and I was able to rest and welcome the night without fear.

I never thought about not dreaming, it just didn't happen. Ten years ago, feeling that I might be losing out in some of life¹s night-time adventures, I gave myself permission to dream again knowing, as an adult, I would be able to confront my dreams no matter how ugly they became.

This was the turning point in my career as an artist. By allowing myself to dream I am able to express my feelings and thoughts on canvas. Most nights, I'd wake up from a dream and do a rough sketch in the dark, knowing, if I waited until morning, I would forget it.

I keep a small sketchpad on my nightstand for these special occasions.

My dreams are now my inspirations instead of being the terror of the night.

My paintings are based on my night-time journeys and I was happy to share them in my first solo European show in Gordes, France, June 17 - July 1, 2003, as I enjoy sharing them right here in my home town of New York City.

Dreaming is good. Keep the faith.

Joey Infante was born in Banes, a small town in the oriente province of Cuba and grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Recognizing his natural talents his teachers recommened that he enroll in a school for the arts. Joey was accepted to study at the "Famous Artist Schools" in Westport, Connecticut under the guidance of renowned American artist NORMAN ROCKWELL, who took Joey Under his wing and encouraged him to paint what he felt.

Meanwhile Joey studied voice and dance, preparing for a life in the theater. While appearing in "OKLAHOMA" at the Westport Country Playhouse, he was discovered by RICHARD ROGERS, leading to roles in the Broadway productions of "WEST SIDE STORY," "BRIGADOON," among many other Off Broadway productions in English and Spanish. While on Broadway, Joey attended the "Stella Adler School of Drama." The art of make-up, costume and stage design, choreography and music helped prepare Joey for his varied forms of artistic expression.

Joey's work has been seen in galleries such as The West Side Arts Coalition, The Cork Gallery of Lincoln Center, The National Arts Club, The Museum of New York City, Taller Boricua, New York City's Libraries, theater and restaurant lobbies and private showings. In June of 2003 Joey made his European debut with a solo show in Gordes, France. After traveling extensively throughout his homeland of Cuba, Joey exhibited his Cuban Collection among fifty of his new works for Gordes.

Joey is an active member of The West Side Arts Coalition and also the author of "Cuba: Escape From Paradise"