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."

 

Bridging Art and Science: Indre Viskontas on Music, Neuroscience & Education

Indre Viskontas has spent her life at the crossroads of two worlds that are often kept apart: art and science. An opera singer-turned-director who came of age during the “decade of the brain,” she has always felt a magnetic pull toward both music and neuroscience. Rather than choosing one path over the other, she has forged a career that beautifully integrates the two.

With a Master’s degree in Voice Performance and a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience, Professor Viskontas is now Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of San Francisco, while also holding a cross-appointment at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Her work moves fluidly between the concert hall and the laboratory, the rehearsal studio and the lecture hall. She has published more than 50 original papers and chapters on the neural basis of memory and creativity, while also directing operas that illuminate the richness of human experience.

A gifted communicator, Indre brings science to life for broad audiences through her lectures, podcasts, and creative projects. Her passion lies not only in unraveling the mysteries of the brain but also in showing how art and science can deepen our understanding of ourselves and each other. In our conversation, she spoke about the transformative role of music in education, emphasizing the transferable skills that children gain when they engage with the arts alongside mathematics and the sciences. For Indre, music is not a luxury but a necessity—an essential part of what makes us human, shaping creativity, empathy, and resilience.

This interview invites us to see the beauty of connections: between neurons and notes, data and drama, memory and melody.

https://www.indreviskontas.com

The artist's voicePetra SittigIndre Viskontas, Art and Science, Neuroscience