Interview with Federico Infante
As promised, here is my interview with artist Federico Infante . I recently discovered Federico's astonishing works and also had the chance to interview him. We talked about about his work, creative process, passion for film, plus more. Enjoy!
Was it always your dream to be an artist?
Not really, when you are a kid and dream about those things, been an artist is too abstract, at least it was for me. The idea of been an artist is revealed when you are aware of the need to express yourself. I did dream about my work, about a certain image, a landscape or a figure, a painting that one day I would like to be able to do.
How have you grown and evolved, and how different is it now compared to when you first started?
Everything goes back to the idea of expressing yourself and, as we all know expression is part of our nature. As I grow as a person my work evolves. One thing that can illustrate this idea is my anxiety to "reach" this image I dream about. When I was younger, painting was a very painful process because I knew that I was very far from this ideal image in my mind. Now that I'm older, not that much, I've made peace with my process and I work thinking that everything has a natural process. Even the act of painting, I know that my work evolves if I'm honest with myself.
You are originally from Chile and currently living in New York. How has the exposure to different cultures and people influenced you as an artist and individual?
It's a privilege to experience life the way I get to do it. Having the chance to live in NY and seeing the world from here, for an artist, it is just magical. I find images for my paintings everywhere and I'm always exploring for new ideas.
The process of my paintings reveal the struggle. I find a balance between expression and structure.
Your Paintings are very isolated and a sense of loneliness with realism and a bit of fantasy. How do you pick your subjects and what do you try to communicate through your art?
The process of my paintings reveal the struggle. I find a balance between expression and structure. I start with an abstract background, several layers of painting, I scratch them until I find something that resemble a landscape or a figure. The result that you see is an invitation to connect with the atmosphere, with the psychology of the painting. Whatever image that you see, it will emerge from the background and it will be connected to the process of the painting.
What is the most important factor to you when working on a project?
Freedom, without freedom I get bored easily and the painting losses its rhythm.
What is your perfect working mode like?
I like to spend several days focused on a painting. I'm devoted to build that image and if I'm interrupted, for example if I have to go out and do something else, I'll probably be processing in my mind all the next steps for the painting. Sometimes I catch myself totally disconnected from the place that I am.
What is the average time you spend on a project?
It could be weeks, depends on the amount of focus I can give to an image. That's why I work with several paintings at the same time, it helps me get things done and stay active.
Most challenging project so far?
Right now, I am preparing a solo show for this fall here in NY, Bertrand Delacroix Gallery will be showing my work and the pressure to make a good job can be very intense. I think whatever will be my next project, that will always be the most challenging and right now is the upcoming exhibition. I work hard to give the best of me.
Besides art what else are you passionate about?
I enjoy films a lot. I get very influenced by them, their atmosphere, the photography or the rhythm. It is just fascinating how much can you learn from a good movie.
Top 3 visually inspiring films?
Valhalla Rising
2046
Requiem for a dream
For me creativity is very related to honesty, Being honest with yourself. I can only progress in my work when I am aware of what I am missing and then only then is when creativity can act. I "create" a new way, find a new solution, or even teach myself how to paint again if I have to. Creativity is not an accident, it is an important part in the mind of any successful person. Whether we see it or not, that's another thing.
Where is your favorite spot in New York?
I have a fascination with train rails here in NY. When they come out to the surface, it creates a beautiful view. I find that steel structure very compelling and you can find them all across the city outside Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens or Harlem.
What do you like most about what you do?
The fact that with every painting, I see a reflection of myself and that helps me grow as a person.
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