Petra Sittig

"I think knowing more gives you more freedom, but I can also see how, creatively perhaps, you do something that might be unconventional but once you start start studying, you realise that it's not as unconventional as you think. One thing leads to another and there are so many possible paths. So I think studying can be liberating but it also depends on the teacher and how restrictive that person is with you" says Pablo Dabdoud, pianist in California. Hear more about Pablo's music and what inspires him to compose and create extraordinary visuals with his music. https://www.pedrodabdoub.com/music/

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 the transition from student life to working as a professional freelance musician, speaking openly about the challenges of becoming your own teacher: learning to recognise where corrections are needed, while also giving yourself acknowledgment for progress and achievements. He shares thoughtful insights into the physical demands of being a flutist, particularly the central role of breath and physical wellbeing. While listening to one’s body and knowing when to rest is essential, Pablo also discusses the reality that musicians cannot always stop playing when they are not feeling at their best—and how to navigate this balance without letting limitations define you. We talk about his strong connection to classical music, especially the Romantic period and French repertoire, as well as his enjoyment of contemporary music, which he approaches as a different musical language with its own rules, sounds, and mindset. As a flute teacher, Pablo speaks about how his own learning journey allows him to deeply understand his students, meet them where they are, and encourage them with empathy and clarity. He also reflects on his collaborations and concert experiences over the past year, offering insight into his evolving career as a performer. It was once again a pleasure to talk to Pablo. His genuine love for music and the flute is unmistakable, and this conversation offers a thoughtful and inspiring look into his development as both a flutist and a teacher.

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 interview, Rob speaks about the formative role of playing in an orchestra, particularly in youth orchestras, and how these experiences develop lifelong skills such as listening, collaboration, discipline, and empathy. He reflects on his transition from musician to theatre director and how theatre deepened his understanding of storytelling and collective artistic work.Rob also shares insights into BroadStage, a contemporary performing arts center located at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. BroadStage is dedicated to presenting bold, inclusive, and globally engaged performancesacross music, dance, theatre, and interdisciplinary art. Under Rob’s leadership, BroadStage emphasizes community connection, accessibility, and artistic excellence, creating a platform for both internationally renowned artists and emerging voices while fostering dialogue and meaningful cultural exchange.

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 insights into how studying art history helps her better understand present-day challenges by recognising historical patterns, context, and human behaviour.We also talk about the importance of music education in childhood and its role in developing creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking. Anna strongly believes in the value of music within the education system and its long-term impact on personal and professional development.A key theme of this conversation is the idea that business is inherently creative. Anna explains how creativity drives problem-solving, innovation, and human-centred leadership, and why letting go of outdated models can open space for more meaningful and sustainable ways of working. We discuss how individual creativity and perspective can have a powerful impact within organisations.This was a deeply inspiring conversation about creativity, culture, and re-imagining how business can be approached in a more human and creative way.

Composer, Oskar Gigele is taking about his music: "She told me that my music is always a story telling music. It doesn't matter what kind of instrumentation it is, whether I use words or not. It always is some kind of story and it's something that I do automatically. It's something that I want to do also. I never really thought of that before and since she told that over one and a half years ago, I realised that and now I am doing it more consciously." Hear more about what inspires Oskar to compose his music and why he decided to study media composition. https://www.oskar-gigele.at/

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 encouraged exploration and creative freedom. These experiences planted the seeds for a lifelong appreciation of artistic expression and its impact on how we see, feel, and engage with the world. Although she initially chose to study engineering, she shares how this analytical foundation later became a powerful complement to her creative instincts rather than a departure from them. During our conversation, Jenna describes the moment she began to recognize her growing fascination with architecture and the built environment, and how this realization bridged her interests in art, science, and human experience. She speaks about becoming increasingly aware of how the spaces we live and work in directly influence our health, well-being, and ability to thrive. This awareness ultimately informed her professional focus on designing environments that support people in being their best selves—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Drawing from her extensive experience across engineering, architectural design, and business strategy, Jenna offers thoughtful insights into how creativity and pragmatism can coexist, and why designing with intention is essential in today’s increasingly complex physical and digital landscapes. This conversation offers a rich and inspiring look at how early creative nourishment, technical training, and a human-centered philosophy can come together to shape a meaningful and impactful career. https://www.eudaimonicbydesign.com/resilience/jenna-mikus

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 expressive power – a way to explore emotion, identity, and human connection. These creative foundations did not disappear as her academic path evolved; instead, they became the very roots from which her scientific curiosity grew.During our conversation, Dwaynica explains how her passion for the arts ultimately led her toward neuroscience and neuroaesthetics. She discusses her current research objectives, which include investigating the social and cognitive effects of art training and art-making on the artist, with a particular focus on theatre. She also speaks about her work using wearable multi-modal technologies to study human social cognition, and her commitment to developing and facilitating sci-art interventions across the curriculum – from primary school through to higher education.A central theme of the interview is the importance of placing art at the heart of education. Dwaynica passionately advocates for giving children the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic disciplines, not as extracurricular activities, but as essential tools for learning, self-expression, and social development. She highlights how creative skills cultivated through the arts can transfer into other areas of life and future careers, supporting critical thinking, empathy, communication, and resilience.Looking back, Dwaynica reflects on how her own artistic background continues to inform and inspire her research and teaching. Her journey is a compelling example of how art and science are not separate worlds, but deeply interconnected ways of understanding what it means to be human.This conversation offers rich insights into creativity, education, neuroscience, and the lasting impact of the arts – both in shaping individual lives and in reimagining how we learn and connect as a society.

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 the dedication, discipline, and relentless training required to qualify for the Olympics. His journey didn’t end there. With a long-time dream of performing, Gary set his sights on Cirque du Soleil, where he expanded his skillset, learned the art of performance, and contributed to shows across the globe. He offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how Cirque productions come together and reflects warmly on the colleagues and experiences that shaped his years with the company. Today, Gary continues to make an impact as a Sport Development Strategist, working to ensure children have access to a wide range of sporting opportunities — including the unique benefits of incorporating circus arts into athletic training. This conversation offers a wonderful glimpse into what it takes to become an Olympic trampolinist, and how sport and art blend beautifully in the world of Cirque du Soleil. A truly uplifting and insightful interview.

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 arranged and recorded on the viola. Marc talks about the fascinating similarities between the viola and the cello, the challenges and freedoms that come with adapting these iconic works, and the intimate relationship he has developed with Bach’s music through this process. As a professor at the Royal Conservatory of Mons, Marc speaks passionately about the importance of teaching young musicians how to create genuine connection with their audiences—not only through technical mastery, but through presence, intention, and authenticity on stage. Marc also introduces us to Trio Nomada, the ensemble he performs in with a violinist and a cellist. He describes the remarkable chemistry between the three musicians and how their shared musical language fuels a dynamic and adventurous chamber-music collaboration. This interview shines a light on Marc Sabbah’s artistry, dedication, and thoughtful approach to music-making—both as a performer and as an educator. https://www.marcsabbah.com

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 her creative process unfolds with patience and intention. A true perfectionist, Lizl shares how she wants viewers to sense the care that goes into every line and layer of her work. She reflects on drawing inspiration from her own experiences, believing that authenticity can only come from what she personally knows and feels. Lizl also speaks about her deep connection to graphite as a medium, explaining how its slowness and therapeutic quality support the meditative nature of her process. Beyond her artistic practice, Lizl discusses her role as Regional Chair for the G100 Arts Leadership & Films Wing in Cape Town, and she expresses her hopes for the future—especially her wish for her studio to become a welcoming space where people can explore, create, and find inspiration. This interview offers a thoughtful and intimate glimpse into the world of an artist devoted to her craft, her community, and the quiet power of monochrome art. https://www.lizlbode.com

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 be perfect, combined with years of demanding practice, took a serious toll on her health. Eventually, Miyabi became ill and realised her symptoms were rooted in mental and emotional stress rather than physical causes. In a courageous step, she stopped playing completely and spent the next 20 years studying psychology to understand what had happened to her. During this time, she developed the Miyabi Method, a holistic approach that blends psychology, body-mind awareness, and a healthier philosophy of music-making. Her book about this journey was warmly received and opened new conversations about mental well-being in the classical music world. Today, Miyabi plays with renewed joy and authenticity, teaches her method to others, and is writing a new book commissioned by Yamaha exploring cultural influences on how musicians approach their art. Miyabi’s story is touching, honest, and full of resilience. Her positive energy and beautiful personality shine through, making this conversation a truly uplifting experience.

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 conference work explore how music shapes wellbeing, connection and human behaviour. Through Kinos Studio, she brings this knowledge into practical, real-world contexts — helping clients such as Soho House, Design Hotels, Bupa, Lloyds Banking Group, ICA and Ministry of Sound use music with purpose, intention and impact. In our conversation, we dive into Michelle’s lifelong love for music and the experiences that led her to study it scientifically. We talk about her mission to close the gap between music research and everyday life, making the benefits of music more accessible, relatable and empowering. From DJing around the world to consulting for global brands, Michelle shares how she combines creativity, psychology and innovation in everything she does. This is an inspiring, thought-provoking discussion about the power of music — not just as an art form, but as a tool for wellbeing, connection and meaning. Enjoy the interview, and don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more in-depth conversations with artists around the world.

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 challenges after an accident, she turned to research, natural materials, and intentional design to create spaces that supported calm, clarity, and healing. Years later, she discovered that the principles she had instinctively used were part of an emerging field called Neuroaesthetic Interior Design. Today, she helps others create homes that enhance wellbeing and support a more balanced, harmonious life. Rose’s work is grounded in the belief that our environment profoundly shapes our emotional, mental, and physical health. By blending scientific research with the art of interior design, she focuses on creating spaces that stimulate the senses in positive and purposeful ways, encouraging connection, comfort, and presence. Her approach integrates color, lighting, texture, sound, natural materials, and spatial flow to create environments that work in harmony with the brain’s response to its surroundings. The result is a home that reduces stress, elevates mood, and promotes a deep sense of ease and wellbeing. Her message is clear: when you change your personal space with intention, you transform your life. https://intentionallydesignedinteriors.com

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 chooses to work with: sheep hide. In Zulu tradition, hide carries cultural significance—it's connected to ceremonies, identity, and ancestral heritage. But for Snelihle, the sheep hide also has a powerful spiritual meaning. It represents the biblical idea of God as the Shepherd and humanity as the sheep under His care. Through her sculptures and installations, she uses the hide to express the themes of protection, guidance, and faith. Her artworks often create quiet, contemplative spaces that invite you to reflect on the relationship between the physical material and the spiritual symbolism behind it. What I love about her practice is how she brings together two worlds—her cultural roots and her personal Christian belief—without separating them. Instead, she weaves them into a conversation, showing how tradition and faith can coexist and inform each other in beautiful and unexpected ways. In this interview, Snelihle shares how she transforms this traditional material into a message of hope, vulnerability, and divine connection. Her work is not just about sculpture—it’s about storytelling, identity, and the deep relationship between culture and spirituality.

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 entrepreneurial spirit, which later taught her the importance of nurturing other passions alongside a music career. She reflects on how discovering her own identity and individuality as an artist is essential, and how singers should be guided to find their own unique path rather than comparing themselves to others. Evelyn also talks about how starting her own business and pursuing other interests has allowed her to approach her music career with clarity, freedom, and less stress. She shares her vision for forming a vocal ensemble of eight female voices and offers wisdom on how to see possibilities in every aspect of a musical journey. Grounded, thoughtful, and inspiring, Evelyn’s story offers valuable guidance for young singers on how to approach their careers, embrace their artistry, and cultivate a sustainable, fulfilling path in music.

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 how his experience as a dancer gives him a unique perspective on costumes for movement. Lennart also shares his experience collaborating with choreographers, designing for performances, and his dreams for the future in costume and fashion design, offering inspiration for anyone interested in ballet, dance, creative careers, or fashion.

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, designers, and even NASA teams, Spencer reveals what really happens when people co-create, and why great art often emerges from powerful human connection.Together, we discuss how creativity thrives (or struggles) within today’s systems — especially in education. Spencer shares insights into how children’s natural creativity is often stifled early on, and why nurturing artistic exploration is essential for the innovators, dreamers, and problem-solvers of the future.✨ Topics we cover:What makes creative collaborations so powerfulHow leaders and teams can create environments where creativity flourishesWhy art and play are vital in early educationHow the education system shapes (and sometimes limits) creative potentialLessons from artists, musicians, and scientists about working together🎨 Whether you’re an artist, educator, or creative leader, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how we create, learn, and collaborate.🔗 About Professor Spencer Harrison:Spencer Harrison is a professor and researcher whose work focuses on creativity, collaboration, and organizational behavior. He has worked with companies such as Google, NASA, and Black Diamond, and his award-winning research has been published in top academic journals. He also co-founded the Creativity Collaboratorium, a global network of leading creativity scholars.📺 Subscribe to The Artist’s Voice for more in-depth conversations with artists, thinkers, and visionaries who explore the power of creativity in our world.

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. His love for architecture shines through in every insight — from discovering unexpected design moments to shaping spaces that truly matter.A must-watch for anyone passionate about architecture, design, urban renewal, and creating meaningful spaces.

In this inspiring conversation, artist Valeria Talian shares her journey from her birthplace in Bratislava, Slovakia, to building a life and artistic career in South Africa. Valeria moved with her family to Pretoria in 1990, where her father worked as a violinist. Although music surrounded her from an early age, her heart was drawn to the visual arts—spending hours visiting galleries and exploring different forms of creative expression. We talked about her early fascination with making and experimenting, and how this innate curiosity has shaped her path as an artist. After living in England for two years and later qualifying in Early Childhood Development, Valeria found herself returning to art as a powerful outlet for creativity. She began exploring diverse mediums—from mosaics, drawing, and painting to the ancient technique of encaustic art. Through years of experimentation—sometimes with surprising or even disastrous results—Valeria developed a distinctive mixed-media style that reflects both her European roots and South African experiences. Today, she continues to evolve as an artist and proudly exhibits her work at Art Africa Gallery, where her textured, layered pieces invite viewers into her world of colour, memory, and emotion. 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/ #artistinterview #southafricanartists #petrasittigtheartistsvoice

In this deeply personal conversation, Magdalena Westman traces the arc of her life from her early years in a pastor’s family in Czechoslovakia to her transformative experiences in South Africa—where the seeds of her art therapy practice first began to take root. Growing up in a home filled with intellect, faith, and compassion, Magdalena’s childhood was shaped by both inspiration and challenge. Her family’s moral integrity during the years of political repression left a lasting imprint, instilling in her a sensitivity to human struggle and resilience. Those formative experiences would later find their way into her work, not through words, but through color, texture, and the spontaneous movement of the hand across paper. Our conversation moves gently between memory and meaning—how a sense of “being different” as a child became a source of empathy, and how the creative act became, for Magdalena, a path to freedom and healing. In South Africa, amidst new landscapes and cultural encounters, she began to sense art’s potential to bridge inner and outer worlds—a realization that led her to study and eventually teach art therapy after returning to the Czech Republic. Today, Magdalena is known for her intuitive approach to creativity—inviting people to reconnect with their childlike curiosity through mark-making, reflection, and presence. Her workshops and writings reveal how even the simplest doodle can become a doorway to emotional understanding and self-discovery. This interview offers a rare glimpse into a life shaped by courage, creativity, and compassion—and into an artistic philosophy that reminds us that healing often begins with a single, spontaneous line.