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."

 

Louis Jansen van Vuuren: Painting and Writing Come From the Same Place

South African artist Louis Jansen van Vuuren is a painter and poet whose life has been shaped by a deep and enduring love for creative expression. As Louis says, “I believe the creative impetus to write and paint comes from the same place.” For him, painting and poetry are not separate paths, but different ways of giving expression to the same creative impulse.

In this conversation, Louis talks about his love for art and how it was clear to him from a young age that becoming an artist was what he wanted to do. Growing up in Middelburg, South Africa, his journey eventually led him to study art and design at Stellenbosch University. There, he was encouraged and inspired by the people who recognised his talent and helped shape his path as an artist.

Louis reflects on a life that has often held what he describes as a serendipitous element, with people appearing along the way to inspire and support him in his quest to become an artist. Over the years, his journey as a contemporary painter has been one of colour, instinct and an unwavering conviction that art and life are inseparable.


Since his first exhibition decades ago, Louis has exhibited throughout South Africa and internationally. His paintings often bring together visual and written language, weaving text and typography into works that feel deeply personal and immediate. His passion for words also led him to publish his first collection of poetry, Termpermes, in 2010, followed by further books exploring memory, place, identity and life.

Louis also speaks with great fondness about his life in the beautiful French countryside, where the landscape and the rhythms of everyday life have become part of the story of his continuing creative journey.

This is a conversation about following an artistic calling, the people who encourage us along the way, and a life devoted to painting, poetry and the simple, powerful act of creating.


Every artist has a story worth hearing.


https://louisjansenvanvuuren.com/bio/


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

Every coffee helps keep meaningful conversations with artists brewing.

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


The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon

Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ 


Louis Jansen van Vuuren: Painting and Writing Come From the Same Place
Petra Sittig/Louis Jansen van Vuuren