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."

 

The Expressive Mind: Art, Neuroscience, and Education with Dwaynica Greaves

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with Dwaynica Greaves – a Neuroaesthetician, Neuroscientist, and creative thinker whose work sits at the powerful intersection of art, science, and education.

Dwaynica shares her early background in the arts, reflecting on a lifelong love for drama and theatre, alongside creative writing, poetry, and reading. For her, words have always carried a deep expressive power – a way to explore emotion, identity, and human connection. These creative foundations did not disappear as her academic path evolved; instead, they became the very roots from which her scientific curiosity grew.

During our conversation, Dwaynica explains how her passion for the arts ultimately led her toward neuroscience and neuroaesthetics. She discusses her current research objectives, which include investigating the social and cognitive effects of art training and art-making on the artist, with a particular focus on theatre. She also speaks about her work using wearable multi-modal technologies to study human social cognition, and her commitment to developing and facilitating sci-art interventions across the curriculum – from primary school through to higher education.

A central theme of the interview is the importance of placing art at the heart of education. Dwaynica passionately advocates for giving children the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic disciplines, not as extracurricular activities, but as essential tools for learning, self-expression, and social development. She highlights how creative skills cultivated through the arts can transfer into other areas of life and future careers, supporting critical thinking, empathy, communication, and resilience.

Looking back, Dwaynica reflects on how her own artistic background continues to inform and inspire her research and teaching. Her journey is a compelling example of how art and science are not separate worlds, but deeply interconnected ways of understanding what it means to be human.

This conversation offers rich insights into creativity, education, neuroscience, and the lasting impact of the arts – both in shaping individual lives and in reimagining how we learn and connect as a society.


https://dwaynicagreaveshq.squarespace.com

The artist's voicePetra SittigNeuroscience, art and science, art at the heart of education, Dwaynica Greaves