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."

Posts in The artist's voice

Gabriela Galarza De Konrath -GadeKo Studio - I like the fact that my window art is ephemeral.

"...and that was the thought about the window painting, that it is really ephemeral, that afterwards you have to take it away…

The artist's voicePetra Sittig9 May 2023artist, window art, shop window artwork, beautiful art on skirts

Mike Blyth - Sling Aircraft. We started from scratch and as time went on, the aircraft took shape

"I studied each aircraft, that I thought was a good aircraft, in detail; the sizing, the shape, the look of it, whatever I could get information of,

The artist's voicePetra Sittig4 May 2023Sling Aircraft, Art of Aviation, aircraft design, building an aircraft, starting from scratch, aircraft building information

Tomm Moore - There's a journey within the studio towards something that can only be made by hand.

"I feel there's a journey within the studio towards something that could only be made by hand,

The artist's voicePetra Sittig2 May 2023Cartoon Saloon, Animation studio, Animation films, Hand drawn animation, Tomm Moore

Bernie Diehl - Pilot. The importance of building up flying skills and how it keeps me motivated

"Now we're talking about how I keep my motivation high, it's because I'm looking for jobs aside from the airline business where I can build up flying skills.

The artist's voicePetra Sittig26 April 2023airline pilot, aviation, art of aviation, flying the 747, motivation, flying skills, career as an airline pilot, career in aviation

Laura Valkovsky Pianist - My deep wish is to have a positive influence on other people.

"Yes I always support these ideas and I think this orchestra also has a very important mission. With these kinds of actions so get the young people in the concert hall.

The artist's voicePetra Sittig24 April 2023Pianist, piano teacher, orchestra music, young people in the concert hall, musicians, teaching music, support ideas

Ekaterina Kardakova - Creative Tech Lab. We need to develop emotional intelligence from a young age.

"We really need to develop emotional intelligence because this is what, in this innovative world, makes us different from robots.

The artist's voicePetra Sittig21 April 2023music programs, singer and voice coach, emotional intelligence, understand your emotions, express emotions, founder of Creative TechLab

Francesco Parrino - Pianist. There is a bigger vision. There is a whole path.

"Attending the conservatoire at this age, and I'm 29, makes me look at things differently because I am older, and it's not just about that I have to study, I have to practice.

The artist's voicePetra Sittig19 April 2023pianist, bigger vision, attending the conservatoire, connection with the audience

Antonis Sousamoglou -Violinist, producer. The recording of MOSAICO Mediterraneo qith Maria Kostraki

Antonis Sousamoglou is talking about the production of the recording "Mosaico Mediterraneo" with soprano Maria Kostraki: "It was liberating because of two reasons:

The artist's voicePetra Sittig17 April 2023Violinist, Antonis Sousamoglou, Mosaico Mediterraneo, Maria Kostraki, Music, Transforming music

Thomas Erlank - Tenor. It's a change of what I do, but it doesn't change who I am.

"...but you are not what you do, and this is something that helped me also with the process of deciding that, going home is not giving up.

The artist's voicePetra Sittig14 April 2023Tenor, Career transition, you are not what you do, process, opera singer in Zürich

Alison Duddle - Puppeteer. Puppet theatre has to do with a feeling of empathy.

"But there's something really interesting about puppet theatre that's very different to conventional theatre in that, I feel as though it's to do with empathy really.

The artist's voicePetra Sittig12 April 2023puppeteer, puppet theatre, making puppets, puppet theatre is different

Barbara Melck - Winemaker, Reyneke wines - Terroir in the most honest way through biodynamic farming

"In winemaking our biggest goal is, because we sit with this amazing terroir,

The artist's voicePetra Sittig10 April 2023winemaker, Reyneke wines, Wines of South Africa, Biodynamic farming, Organic wines, Terroir of the wine

Michael Sheppard - Pianist: I like to presume no limitation both in myself and in others

Michael Sheppard - Pianist, conductor, composer: I'm learning new things all the time about how to put down the key but it's not so much about

The artist's voicePetra Sittig7 April 2023Pianist, Michael Sheppard, Piano technique, Incredible music, streamline technique

Stephen Anderson, Animation Director - There are no rules and no formular for making Animation films

as a director you say: Great! Let's shape that. Let's put that in there and then that creates sort of a different journey that we thought we would never go on.

The artist's voicePetra Sittig28 March 2023Animation, Film director, Animation industry, Animation films, Disney filma, Disney animation

David K. Israel - Composer - I'm mostly interested in dance because I love the Theatre.

"...and so Stravinsky harmonised it for 4 voices and gives that manuscript back to Mr Balanchine.

The artist's voicePetra Sittig22 March 2023composer, David K. Israel, Author, Sctreenwriter, Stravinsky, Balanchine, New York City Ballet, Paul Taylor, Leonard Bernstein

Anita Young MBE - Ballet teacher. I take every opportunity that comes my way.

"I do take every opportunity that comes my way, even if I get nervous and think: Can I really do it? And then I think: Do you know what? How do you learn? How do you better yourself?

The artist's voicePetra Sittig20 March 2023ballet teacher, ballet, Royal Ballet school, Teaching ballet dancers, Ballet class

Cristian Spătaru - Conductor - I would feel incomplete if I couldn't do the music I love.

"I had the opportunity to work with some choirs on some beautiful works that creates a connection which is very different from that with an orchestra.