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."

 

The Art Behind the Wine: A Conversation with Renier van Deventer

Winemaking is both a science and an art. It requires knowledge, precision and an understanding of the elements that shape a wine, but also creativity, intuition and a deep connection to the vineyard.

In this interview, I speak with Renier van Deventer of Ridgeback Wines about his journey through the wine industry and the many experiences that have shaped him as a cellar Master and winemaker. 


After studying Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University, Renier began his career at Neethlingshof Wine Estate and continued his training under acclaimed winemaker Charles Hopkins at De Grendel. His journey then took him beyond South Africa, with harvests in California’s Napa Valley, Western Australia’s Margaret River and New Zealand, where he worked as Assistant Winemaker at Indevin during a record 35,000-ton harvest. Before joining Ridgeback, he was Cellar Master at Leopard’s Leap, working across a diverse portfolio of wines.


At Ridgeback Wines, Renier brings this wealth of experience to a farm whose story began with its first white wine in 2000, followed by the five-star award-winning Ridgeback Shiraz in 2001. The name Ridgeback itself comes from the Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs kept on the farm – a breed originally associated with lion hunting and admired for its strength, character and distinctive pedigree. These qualities have become closely connected to the identity of the farm and its red wines.


Renier takes us behind the bottle and into the vineyard, explaining how soil, weather, the health of the vines and countless other factors influence the character and quality of the final wine. We talk about the delicate balance between respecting what nature provides and applying the knowledge and skill of the winemaker.


Most importantly, we explore that fascinating space where science meets creativity – where technical knowledge becomes something expressive, personal and alive. Renier’s story offers an insight not only into winemaking, but into the patience, passion and craftsmanship behind every bottle.


Every artist has a story worth hearing.


https://www.ridgebackwines.co.za/about-us/


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/ 


The Art Behind the Wine: A Conversation with Renier van Deventer
Petra Sittig/Renier van Deventer
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The artist's voicePetra SittigWinemaker, the art of making wine, Ridgeback winery, Renier van Deventer, Every artist has a story worth hearing