Petra Sittig Photography - Vienna, Austria
Petra Sittig Photography - Photoshoots for Artists and Professionals
Podcast Thumbnail-2.jpg

The artist's voice -Podcast

The Artist's voice is a platform for artists to talk about and showcase their form of art. Inviting all artists to express their love for what they do and use this platform to give an insight into their world. All dancers, choreographers, teachers, musicians, singers, composers, creators of art; this is the place to show and tell.

The Artist’s voice

Inspired during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, my project was sparked by witnessing the struggles of my children, ballet dancers at the Vienna State Opera, unable to practice their craft due to isolation. Initially a small photography endeavor, capturing artists at their windows, it swiftly transformed into a symbol of solidarity for the arts community.

The repercussions of this pandemic will echo throughout the artistic and cultural sectors for years to come. Thus, I felt compelled to shed light on the plight of creative individuals and organizations, advocating for their recognition and support. Through this project, I aimed to amplify artists' voices, offering a platform for their stories and perspectives. If they can't grace the stage, they should still be seen and heard.

Vienna, a bastion of culture, served as a fitting backdrop for my efforts, with its rich artistic heritage and diverse community. I've photographed over 500 artists, including musicians, dancers, and opera stars, alongside ambassadors from various nations, all standing in solidarity with Vienna's artistic community.

The arts, often overlooked, are integral to society's fabric, shaping our collective identity and enriching our lives. They transcend language and borders, offering solace and inspiration in times of turmoil. By spotlighting Vienna's cultural legacy, I hope to instill a greater appreciation for the arts worldwide. Moreover, I've witnessed firsthand the resilience of artists in the face of adversity. Despite canceled performances and financial hardships, their unwavering passion for their craft fuels a newfound creativity. Their optimism is palpable, radiating hope through every photograph.

Through this project, I aim to educate future generations on the importance of the arts, advocating for its integration into education systems worldwide. By nurturing creativity and fostering appreciation for the arts, we can build a more empathetic and harmonious society.Ultimately, my goal is to spark dialogue and action, ensuring that the arts and artists are valued and supported in our modern world. Through interviews with artists globally, I seek to understand their experiences and explore solutions for securing the future of the arts.

In essence, this project is a testament to the resilience and vitality of the human spirit, as embodied by artists around the world. Their stories remind us of the transformative power of art and the boundless possibilities it offers for a brighter future."

 

When Grief Becomes Music: Ashley Nkiwane on Healing, Faith and Finding Her Voice

Finding Strength Through Music: A Conversation with Ashley Nkiwane

In this beautiful conversation, I speak with Zimbabwean singer Ashley Nkiwane about music, loss, faith, culture and the healing power of finding your own voice.

Ashley’s journey into songwriting began during one of the most difficult moments of her life — the loss of her father. Through grief, she discovered music as a place to express what she was feeling and, ultimately, as a source of strength. What began in a time of pain became a way of creating something beautiful.

Ashley also speaks openly about her Ndebele heritage and her journey towards embracing her own sound. Singing in her father’s native language, Ndebele, has become an important part of who she is as an artist. There is something particularly powerful about hearing an artist connect with her cultural roots through music — not simply preserving a language and heritage, but allowing them to live, evolve and be heard through a contemporary voice.


Her faith in God is another important part of her journey. Ashley believes that music can reach people in ways that words sometimes cannot, and that it has the power to bring comfort, healing and hope. This belief connects deeply with her work as a social worker, where she hopes to use music alongside her profession to support and help others.

What I loved about this conversation is the way Ashley has taken something painful in her life and allowed it to become a source of creativity, connection and purpose. Her story is a reminder that sometimes, from the deepest places of loss, something beautiful can emerge.

And it is wonderful to see Ashley embracing her Ndebele language and allowing it to become an authentic part of her musical identity. Her voice is not only telling her own story — it is also carrying something of her culture, her heritage and her father with her.


Every artist has a story worth hearing.


If you've enjoyed The Artist's Voice, you're invited to support the project through https://buymeacoffee.com/petrasittig

Every coffee helps keep meaningful conversations with artists brewing.

Thanks for listening, watching, and cheering on the arts! 


The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon

Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ 


When Grief Becomes Music: Ashley Nkiwane on Healing, Faith and Finding Her Voice
Petra Sittig/Ashley Nkiwane
Download
Petra SittigAshley Nkiwane, singersongwriter, power of music