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."

 

Creating Art Through Paper and Chairs: The Artistic Journey of Juanita Oosthuizen

In a recent interview, Juanita Oosthuizen, a talented paper artist and former occupational therapist, shared her creative journey from product designer to full-time artist. With a background in designing packaging for the wine and cosmetic industries, her artistic path took a pivotal turn about ten years ago after a visit to the Tate Modern in London. There, a small artwork of a tiny figure sweeping a pile of sand in a vast space inspired her to embrace her love for miniatures and storytelling.

Juanita’s intricate, 3D paper creations use tiny figurines to convey unique narratives, allowing viewers to interpret the stories in their own way. Her art is known for its incredible detail, which makes it challenging to capture in photos—truly best experienced in person.

Her fascination with chairs has been a major theme over the past five years, beginning with an ambitious paper weave of a chair reflecting in water. She has since experimented with a wide range of chairs, from large to miniature, crafted from diverse materials. This obsession led to a series of meticulously hand-cut paper chairs, and her iconic Vitra designer chair collection even won the prestigious Hermanus FynArts competition.

Juanita often uses a monochromatic palette—favoring black, white, and shades of grey, sometimes adding a pop of red. Recently, she ventured into color, drawing inspiration from Blue Delft porcelain for a series of paper weaves, which have become highly sought-after.

Her creative process is fueled by late-night inspiration, where she conceptualizes her next projects. Juanita’s work speaks to the timelessness of design, the storytelling power of art, and her dedication to crafting each piece with precision and heart. While her art has a strong online presence, she firmly believes in the importance of experiencing it firsthand.

#paperart #miniatureart #artistjourney #creativeprocess





The artist's voicePetra SittigJuanitaoosthuizen, paperart, artisticjourney, southafricanartist