Petra Sittig

In this inspiring conversation, I speak with Alex Josephson, architect and co-founder of the Toronto-based studio PARTISANS. Alex reflects on his early childhood, where creativity was already a driving force in his life. From drawing and pottery to constantly finding new ways to express himself, his artistic instincts were evident from a young age. He speaks warmly about the profound influence of...

In this interview I speak with Emma Davies, a dancer currently based in Vienna and part of Blue box’s in house annual contemporary dance program, a program that brings together emerging dancers and renowned guest artists in an environment dedicated to training, creation, research, and performance. Emma shares her journey growing up in Barcelona, where her love for dance began very early. She start...

In this interview, I speak with Miriam Powroslo, a young violinist whose musical journey is shaped by passion, determination, and a deep sense of purpose. Miriam recently graduated from MUK (Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna) and shares how her love for the violin began at a very young age after hearing the Opole Philharmonic Orchestra, the very orchestra that first sparked her dream...

In this interview, I speak with Corinna Kühnapfel, a cognitive scientist and neuroaesthetics researcher whose work explores how we experience art through the body. Corinna shares how her fascination with science began in early childhood, dreaming of becoming an astronaut, joining a physics after-school club, and joyfully experimenting with science toolkits at home. Alongside this scientific curios...

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with poet and spoken word artist Queen Sheba , who is currently nominated for a Grammy Award in the spoken word category. In our conversation, we spoke about the two years of focused work, commitment, and creative trust that went into achieving this recognition, as well as her recording A Hurricane in Heals and what she hopes audiences experience when engagi...

In this inspiring conversation, drummer and composer Joshua Manus shares his musical journey from his early beginnings in Nigeria to building a professional career in Dubai. Joshua reflects on growing up in a deeply musical environment, where the church played a crucial role in shaping his path. Like many Nigerian musicians, his first real opportunity to play music came through church, a space tha...

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with Armenian artist Levon Avagyan, whose artistic journey moves from dark, futuristic philosophical visions to luminous, Renaissance-inspired works rooted in classical technique. Born in Yerevan in 1990, Levon was deeply influenced by his grandfather, Gevorg Avagyan, an Armenian impressionist realist painter. In our conversation, Levon shares vivid m...

In this heartfelt conversation, I speak with Romanian pianist Miruna Maciuca from Bucharest about her lifelong relationship with the piano, which began at a very young age. She reflects on the importance of her early teacher, who helped her recognise and develop her individual strengths, and on her studies in Venice, where her artistic path continued to unfold. I am deeply grateful to her piano pr...

In this inspiring conversation, I speak with award-winning author and writing coach Dani Rosenblad James, who currently lives in Sweden, where she writes and supports others in bringing their own stories to life. Dani’s journey as a writer is closely intertwined with her personal experience of recovery after a traumatic brain injury—an event that profoundly changed her life and ultimately reshaped...

In this interview, I speak with Vienna-based flutist Pablo Carpio Hernández, who grew up in Spain and began playing the flute at school—an early encounter that quickly grew into a deep and lasting passion. This love for the instrument led him to Vienna, where he studied flute at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw), one of Europe’s leading music institutions. Pablo reflects on...

Rob Bailis is the Artistic and Executive Director of BroadStage in Santa Monica. A former professional clarinetist, he transitioned from performing to arts leadership, previously serving as Interim Artistic Director and Associate Director of Cal Performances at the University of California, Berkeley, where he curated a wide-ranging international program across music, dance, and theatre. In this in...

In this interview, I speak with Anna Masalin , Managing Director of Tulos in Helsinki, about creativity, education, and leadership in business. With a background in Art History , studied in the UK and shaped by international experiences through the Erasmus programme , Anna reflects on how early cultural exposure influenced her way of thinking and supported her professional journey. She shares insi...

In this interview, I speak with Dr Jenna Mikus, Founder and Managing Partner of the Eudae Group, about the formative experiences that shaped her interdisciplinary path and her deep interest in the relationship between environment, creativity, and well-being. Jenna reflects on her childhood curiosity and her early exposure to many different forms of art, made possible by parents who actively encour...

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice , I speak with Dwaynica Greaves – a Neuroaesthetician, Neuroscientist, and creative thinker whose work sits at the powerful intersection of art, science, and education. Dwaynica shares her early background in the arts, reflecting on a lifelong love for drama and theatre, alongside creative writing, poetry, and reading. For her, words have always carried a deep...

In this inspiring episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with Gary Smith — one of the most accomplished male trampoline gymnasts in British history. Gary achieved a historic 7th place at the 2004 Olympic Games and earned two European team bronze medals, marking him as a true standout in the world of trampolining. Gary shares how he first discovered his passion for trampolining and opens up about t...

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I talk to acclaimed violist Marc Sabbah, based in Belgium. In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Marc shares insights from his recent concert tour in Japan, reflecting on the unique energy of Japanese audiences and the artistic growth that travel inspires. He gives insight in his newest recording project: the complete Six Bach Cello Sonatas, which he ar...

n this conversation, I speak with South African artist Lizl Bode, a self-taught creator from Cape Town known for her photorealistic monochrome works in graphite and technical ink. Lizl’s art is celebrated for its precision, emotional depth, and the way she elevates ordinary objects and portraits through careful observation. We talk about her studio, the place where she feels most at home and where...

In this interview, I speak with Miyabi Matsuoka, a Japanese harpist based in Vienna whose powerful personal journey is transforming the way musicians relate to their art. Miyabi began playing the harp at 12, guided by her mother, also a harpist who encouraged her to strive for excellence. She went on to win numerous competitions and build an impressive musical career. But the intense pressure to b...

In today’s episode of The Artist’s Voice, I’m joined by the brilliant Michelle Ulor — music psychologist, DJ, radio host, writer, and the founder of Kinos Studio, a pioneering music-psychology consultancy transforming how brands, teams and spaces use music. Michelle holds a PhD in Music Psychology, with a career that bridges both academia and industry. Her research, publications, and international...

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with interior designer Rose Tanjoco, whose personal journey led her to the field of Neuroaesthetic Interior Design long before she knew the term existed. Rose began experimenting with design in the early 1990s, transforming her own home into a healthier, more nurturing environment for her family. When her daughter developed health and emotional challe...

In this interview I’m speaking with South African sculptor and installation artist Snelihle Maphumulo, an extraordinary young creative whose work is deeply rooted in both her Zulu heritage and her Christian faith. Snelihle was born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and she studied Fine Art, Sculpture, and Visual Culture at Rhodes University. What makes her work so unique is the material she cho...

In this interview, I speak with Evelyn Johnson, a classical singer based in Madrid. Evelyn shares insights from her extensive training at Saint Olaf College, The University of Texas at Austin, and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where she studied with renowned soprano and pedagogue Costanza Cuccaro. We explore Evelyn’s journey as a young singer, her many interests, and her entrepreneu...

Former Hamburg Ballet dancer Lennart Radtke shares his inspiring journey from the world of professional ballet to costume and fashion design. Trained in the UK and Hamburg, Lennart talks about how a mentor helped him create his first wedding dress for a close friend, sparking his passion for design. He discusses the rewarding process of learning design by doing, the creative freedom it brings, and...

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice , Petra Sittig speaks with Professor Spencer Harrison — a leading researcher on creativity, collaboration, and how people work together to make something extraordinary. Spencer’s work explores the magic of creative collaboration — that indescribable energy artists feel when everything “clicks.” Drawing from his studies of Grammy-winning bands, modern dancers,...

Join Pretoria-based architect Ruan Erasmus as he shares his journey from learning under mentors to founding his own firm. He explores creative freedom in architecture , the importance of understanding a client’s vision, and why interiors are the heart of every building. Ruan also discusses reimagining 1960s South African homes , transforming spaces to add value to neighborhoods and communities. Hi...