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."

 

The Power of Creativity: Tanya Keggin on Life, Art, and Purpose

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tanya Keggin, a Canadian artist who once worked for two decades as a marketing and advertising lawyer before following her true passion for art. From an early age, Tanya was drawn to painting and dreamed of a creative career, yet her many interests led her first into science and then into law. It was only years later, after building a successful legal career, that she took the courageous step of becoming a full-time professional artist.

Tanya’s paintings are expressive and deeply evocative, often exploring the connections between music, memory, and emotion. Her elevated painterly style reflects her love of materials and the joy she finds in the physical process of creating—through bold brushstrokes, intuitive mark-making, and a striking balance of realism and abstraction.

In our conversation, Tanya reflects not only on her personal journey from law to art but also on the broader importance of creativity in society. We spoke about how art shapes the way we think, solve problems, and make decisions, and why it is so valuable to nurture creativity in children from an early age. Tanya believes art education is not just about making future artists, but about giving young people the tools to think differently and approach any profession with imagination and confidence.

Her story is one of courage, transformation, and purpose—an inspiring reminder that it is never too late to reconnect with creativity and allow it to shape both life and work.