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."

 

The Quiet Strength of Trust with Emma Davies

n this interview I speak with Emma Davies, a dancer currently based in Vienna and part of bluebox’s in house annual contemporary dance program, a program that brings together emerging dancers and renowned guest artists in an environment dedicated to training, creation, research, and performance.

Emma shares her journey growing up in Barcelona, where her love for dance began very early. She started ballet at the age of three at her local ballet school, initially driven by joy and curiosity, before gradually taking it more seriously. This path led her to a ballet conservatoire in Barcelona, where a pivotal influence entered her life, her ballet teacher. Emma speaks with great appreciation about this mentor, who helped her not only refine her technique but also understand and recognise the dancer she was meant to become, shaping her both artistically and personally.


Her journey continued at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, where Emma discovered her deep love for contemporary dance. It was there that she experienced the power of creative freedom, exploration, and expression, and where collaboration became central to her artistic identity. Emma reflects on the importance of working alongside other dancers, learning from one another, and feeding off the collective energy that emerges when artists share space, ideas, and movement.

This sense of collaboration is something she is experiencing again at bluebox in Vienna. Dancers from different backgrounds, disciplines, and stages of their careers come together, creating a rich and motivating environment. Emma speaks about how inspiring it is to be surrounded by such diversity, where dancers challenge, support, and uplift each other daily. For her, the reward is found not only on stage, but also in the studio, in the ongoing process of movement, self reflection, and continuous improvement.

A central message that runs through Emma’s story is the value of trust. Trust in the work you have put in, trust in your training, and trust that opportunities will come when the time is right. Emma shares how she is seeing this more and more in her own career, that by staying committed, open, and trusting, doors begin to open in unexpected ways.

I found this interview deeply inspiring. Emma is a young dancer whose passion for movement is unmistakable, and whose understanding of the long term process of growth, patience, and perseverance is remarkably grounded. Her story is a beautiful reminder of what it means to stay motivated, to keep trusting the journey, and to continue showing up fully for the work.