Petra Sittig Photography - Vienna, Austria
Petra Sittig Photography - Photoshoots for Artists and Professionals
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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."

 

Dr. Margaret Chisolm on Art, Medicine, and Human Connection

Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Margaret Chisolm has dedicated more than three decades to caring for patients, educating future physicians, and advancing humanistic medical practice. In this thought-provoking conversation, she shares how art museums have become an unexpected but powerful classroom for medical students.

As Director of the Paul McHugh Program for Human Flourishing and a certified Visual Thinking Strategies facilitator, Dr. Chisolm uses works of art to help students develop skills that are fundamental to compassionate healthcare. Together we explore how carefully observing and discussing art teaches future doctors to distinguish between observation and interpretation—an essential ability in medicine, particularly in psychiatry, where assumptions can easily influence diagnosis and care.

Our conversation also explores the importance of reflection. Hospitals are filled with powerful life-and-death experiences, yet without time to process and discuss them, those experiences do not necessarily lead to personal or professional growth. In the museum setting, students find a safe space to reflect, share different perspectives, and deepen their understanding of themselves and others.


Dr. Chisolm's work beautifully demonstrates that medicine is far more than science alone. Art cultivates empathy, curiosity, humility, careful observation, and meaningful human connection—qualities that benefit not only physicians but every patient they encounter. Her vision reminds us that the humanities are not an optional addition to medicine but an essential part of understanding what it means to care for another human being.

This inspiring conversation is a powerful reminder that when science and art work together, they create better doctors, stronger human connections, and ultimately, better healthcare.


Every artist has a story worth hearing.


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

Every coffee helps keep meaningful conversations with artists brewing.

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


Dr Margaret Chisolm on Art, Medicine, and Human Connection
Petra Sittig/Margaret Chisolm
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The artist's voicePetra Sittigart and science, Dr Margaret Chisolm, Behavioral sciences, medical student, art and medicine