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 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 curiosity, she also took piano and art classes, nurturing a deep appreciation for creativity and the arts from a young age. This early blend of science and art shaped her academic path. After beginning her studies in cognitive science, Corinna moved into neuroaesthetics, driven by a desire to understand how art is perceived, felt, and embodied. As part of a Horizon 2020 project (2020–2023), she completed her PhD investigating bodily experiences with installation art, movement within gallery spaces, and how individual differences in body awareness and physiological responses influence emotional art experiences. In our conversation, we discuss her research conducted in art galleries, where observing how people move around artworks revealed insights into attention, interest, and engagement. She also reflects on research inspired by an exhibition of Tomás Saraceno, highlighting how immersive artworks invite bodily participation rather than passive viewing. Corinna is currently a Postdoctoral researcher at the Arts and Minds Lab at the Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Originally from Germany, she was also the first visiting researcher in Matthew’s research group in Vienna, joining on an Erasmus fellowship to work on an fNIRS hyperscanning and drawing project, which later became the topic of her Master’s thesis. We also talk about the deep connections between art and science, and why it is essential for children to be exposed to both scientific thinking and diverse forms of artistic expression in schools—encouraging curiosity, creativity, and embodied ways of knowing the world.

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 engaging with this powerful work.Queen Sheba offers a clear and accessible reflection on the difference between poetry and spoken word, encouraging people to attend live performances and to experience spoken word as a living, embodied art form. We also discuss common misconceptions surrounding poetry, including the idea that it must be serious or melancholic, and she reminds us that poetry can also be joyful, humorous, and deeply human.She shares how writing has always been a form of therapy and self expression for her, beginning in childhood and continuing as a vital part of her creative and personal life. We also touch on the importance of collaboration, and the team effort involved in bringing a spoken word performance and recording like A Hurricane in Heals to life.This was a truly inspiring conversation, filled with energy, generosity, and a deep love for the art of spoken word. Queen Sheba’s passion for her craft is a powerful reminder of the importance of giving artists space, time, and platforms to share their voices.

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 that not only nurtured his talent but also instilled discipline, community, and a strong musical foundation from a young age. He speaks warmly about the influence of his brother, also a musician, who became his earliest inspiration and motivator. Those formative experiences left a lasting imprint on Joshua, and even after relocating to Dubai, he has never lost touch with his musical roots. Instead, he carries them with him, allowing his background to inform both his playing and his approach to music-making. Joshua opens up about entering the music scene in Dubai, describing it as a place full of possibilities for freelance musicians who are versatile, open-minded, and willing to put in the work. He talks honestly about the opportunities available, as well as the importance of adaptability, professionalism, and networking in a fast-paced and diverse music environment. Since moving to Dubai, Joshua has also begun to take his work as a composer more seriously. He shares the story behind his composition “God’s Creation”, explaining how the piece developed organically and how collaboration with other musicians helped bring the music to life. The process reflects his belief in collective creativity and the power of collaboration to elevate a musical idea into something truly special. Beyond performing and composing, Joshua speaks passionately about teaching. He explains how much he values passing on knowledge and how, even in a student’s early lessons, he can often sense their potential. Teaching, for him, is not just about technique but about nurturing confidence, discipline, and a love for music. Joshua also reflects on the obstacles he faced on his path to formally studying music. Rather than discouraging him, these challenges helped shape his resilience and ultimately made him the musician he is today. He emphasizes the importance of versatility, playing across many genres, and staying open to different musical styles — a mindset that has created more opportunities and longevity in his career. More than anything, this interview reveals Joshua Manus as not only a highly skilled drummer and composer, but also a grounded and generous human being. He deeply understands that music transcends borders, cultures, and languages — and that at its core, music brings people together. His story is one of perseverance, faith, collaboration, and a lifelong commitment to the universal language of music.

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 memories of his grandfather’s studio, especially the lingering smell of paint, and reflects on the guidance and values that continue to shape his artistic path today. Levon studied at the Yerevan Academy of Fine Arts from 2007 to 2011 under the guidance of Saro Galents, and his early work, including the series Bad Dreams About The Future, explored the human condition through dark, surreal, and futuristic imagery. He speaks openly about this “darker period,” explaining how the rock music he listened to at the time strongly influenced the emotional intensity and atmosphere of his paintings. Between 2014 and 2016, his Non Surprising World series further deepened this exploration, marked by restrained colour palettes and a sense of alienation and detachment from reality. A profound shift occurred after 2016, which Levon calls his “Period of Light.” Influenced by Baroque music, especially Bach, and the techniques of 15th-century Flemish and Italian Renaissance masters, his work moved toward a classical approach using tempera and oil on panel with true gesso. Levon reflects on how music continues to shape his compositions and inner rhythm, and how each brushstroke carries intention and meaning. We also speak about the responsibility of the artist, how a painting has the power to touch the viewer on a soul level. Levon shares how this awareness, rooted in the lessons of his grandfather, guides his work today and why he approaches painting with deep care, respect, and presence. This was a truly inspiring conversation about legacy, music, transformation, and the profound responsibility of making art that speaks beyond words. https://www.levonavagyan.com/bio

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 professor, Igor Cognolato, who introduced Miruna to me and whose guidance and support have been instrumental in her artistic development. Miruna speaks with remarkable maturity and clarity about her journey as a musician, particularly about one of her greatest achievements to date: a monumental concert project realised in November. After a year of intense preparation, countless rehearsals, 330 pages of memorised music and nearly three hours of performance, Miruna brought to life a dream inspired by history—almost 100 years after Jeanne-Marie Darré performed all five Saint-Saëns piano concertos in a single evening. Supported by friends, loved ones, mentors and an outstanding musical team, this project became, in her words, “the most beautiful night of my life and the most important project I have done so far.” She shares profound gratitude for everyone involved in this unique cultural and emotional journey and reflects on the spiritual dimension of music-making: “That’s what music makes of us; it reminds us that we’re alive, not just existing.” For Miruna, music is deeply connected to belief, divinity, and the idea of something greater than ourselves—and to the responsibility of offering something meaningful and new to the audience. We also speak about her love of communicating directly with listeners. Miruna believes that musicians who have had the privilege of studying music carry a responsibility to share knowledge and context, helping audiences connect more deeply with what they hear. For her, it is never about applause, but about the possibility of truly touching people through music. She values curiosity beyond music as well, believing that learning about the world shapes and enriches an artist’s voice. This was a truly moving and inspiring conversation. I deeply admire Miruna’s understanding of music’s power, her respect for the audience, and her awareness of her role as a musician—to serve the music, to share beauty, and to create meaningful connection. Interview with Igor Cognalato https://youtu.be/VtIZdSAteGw

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 her path. Dani shares how the desire to write her own story emerged from this challenging period, not only as a way to process what she had been through, but also as a way to offer hope and encouragement to others facing obstacles in their lives. She speaks openly about how writing about trauma can be both difficult and deeply therapeutic, and how putting words to painful experiences can become a powerful tool for healing, clarity, and transformation. From her early work writing a children’s book to becoming an award-winning author, Dani also brings valuable insight into the practical side of writing and publishing. She discusses the realities of the publishing process, what aspiring authors can expect, and how understanding this journey can make the dream of publishing a book feel more achievable. As a writing coach, she strongly believes that we all have a book inside us, waiting to be written—each story carrying its own value and purpose. It was truly a pleasure speaking with Dani and learning from her lived experience. Her story is a beautiful reminder that maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of life-altering challenges, can open the door to entirely new paths—ones filled with unexpected possibilities, growth, and opportunities we may never have imagined before.

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.