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."

 

Principal Ballet Dancer’s Leap into Stunt Coordination | Natascha Mair's Next Act

Natascha Mair has always embraced bold choices. A principal dancer with the Vienna State Ballet at a remarkably young age, she rose to prominence under the artistic directorship of Manuel Legris, performing lead roles that many only dream of. Later, she joined the English National Ballet in London, further solidifying her place on the international stage.

Now, Natascha is navigating a significant shift in her professional life as she begins building a new career in stunt coordination. The move from ballet to stunt work may seem unexpected, but for her, it draws on a shared foundation of physical control, precision, and mental focus. Despite these overlaps, the transition has not been without challenges. Stunt work demands a different kind of physical preparation, involving strength and coordination in ways that contrast with classical ballet technique.

Natascha also reflects on what this kind of change means on a personal level. For dancers, a career in ballet is not just a profession but a lifelong identity formed through early and intense training. Shifting to an entirely new field means confronting the reality of starting again, developing new skills, finding new opportunities, and redefining professional goals from the beginning.

Her perspective highlights a broader challenge many dancers face when leaving the stage: how to transfer the discipline and experience of ballet into a new context, and how to remain motivated while building something entirely new. Natascha’s approach is grounded, focused, and realistic—acknowledging both the physical demands of her new work and the emotional complexities of changing direction after years of commitment to a singular art form.

Her journey is not only about reinvention, but about persistence—applying the same determination that defined her ballet career to the unfamiliar terrain of stunt coordination.


The artist's voicePetra SittigNatascha Mair, Ballet dancer