Petra Sittig

In this interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Shan Y. Chuang, a true triple threat whose artistic journey is as inspiring as it is multifaceted. Shan began her training as a pianist at a young age before discovering her passion for dance, which ultimately set her on a path toward a life in the performing arts.After graduating with an MFA in Musical Theater from National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), Shan was accepted into the prestigious Circle in the Square Musical Theater program in New York City in 2012. Her move to the Big Apple marked a bold step toward fulfilling her dream of performing in musicals. Yet, through her experiences with the audition process and casting limitations, Shan realized that her creativity could not be confined to the traditional stage.Embracing her culture and roots, she began creating and choreographing her own work, collaborating with like-minded artists, and redefining what it means to be a performer. Today, Shan thrives both on stage and beyond it, appearing in plays, musicals, and films, while also working with the New York Chinese Cultural Center (NYCCC) and creating productions at the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA).Our conversation explored her artistic evolution, her courage to carve out her own creative path, and her commitment to collaboration as a way of bringing immersive and engaging stories to life. Shan is an artist who truly welcomes the creation of art with wide open arms.https://www.shanychuang.com/about

In this conversation, I had the privilege of speaking with Leanne Olivier, a South African artist who makes her home in the vast landscapes of the Kalahari, Northern Cape. Her artistic journey moves through the thresholds of human experience, where stories, symbols, and myths converge. Olivier’s practice lives in these liminal spaces — places of transition, in-between states — where the seen and unseen meet. Drawing from diverse cultural traditions, ancient mythologies, and spiritual thought, she questions the illusion of certainty and fixedness. Her work often takes shape through the many faces of the archetypal Feminine — a presence that both shifts and dissolves, becoming and unbecoming at once. In the interview, Olivier reflects on the inspirations that move her and the inner dialogue that unfolds while she works. Her creative process is rooted in collaboration, a ceremonial exchange with those she paints, unfolding within her studio, which she calls her “suburban cave.” Her figurative realism carries a classical strength, yet her paintings are infused with the raw textures of the earth — clay, hematite, bone meal, ash, mica, and charcoal. These earthly materials are not merely tools, but living metaphors, conduits that call us back to essence, to the primal and the sacred. Through her words and her art, Leanne Olivier reveals a practice that is at once deeply personal and universally human — a journey into the mysteries of becoming. https://leanneolivier.com/about

In this episode, I sit down with Bama Lutes Deal, a musicologist, consultant, and passionate advocate for the arts, whose journey has taken her across disciplines—bridging music, culture, business, science, and technology. Bama’s story begins with her deep love of music and her training as a musicologist, where she studied music not only as sound, but as a cultural and historical force that shapes our lives. From there, she built a career that spans management consulting, writing, arts management, higher education, and community development. What ties all of this together is her ability to combine creative and critical thinking to solve complex challenges. Today, Bama is deeply involved in the emerging field of neuroarts—a place where science, the arts, and technology meet. As a consultant for the Palm Beach County Neuroarts Collaborative, she is helping map out local partners, programs, and research to strengthen how the arts support health and well-being in South Florida. In our conversation, she takes time to expand on what neuroarts really means, and why it is so important for the future of health, education, and society. But Bama’s passion doesn’t stop at theory and research—she is also an advocate for artists, helping them share their work, find ways to market themselves, and build supportive networks within their communities. She reminds us that the arts are not just “nice to have,” but essential to who we are as human beings. We also talk about the power of nature and aesthetics, and how both play a vital role in healing and inspiring us. Bama’s insights remind us that when creativity, science, and community come together, we open doors to healthier, more connected, and more beautiful ways of living.

Indre Viskontas has spent her life at the crossroads of two worlds that are often kept apart: art and science. An opera singer-turned-director who came of age during the “decade of the brain,” she has always felt a magnetic pull toward both music and neuroscience. Rather than choosing one path over the other, she has forged a career that beautifully integrates the two. With a Master’s degree in Voice Performance and a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience, Professor Viskontas is now Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of San Francisco, while also holding a cross-appointment at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Her work moves fluidly between the concert hall and the laboratory, the rehearsal studio and the lecture hall. She has published more than 50 original papers and chapters on the neural basis of memory and creativity, while also directing operas that illuminate the richness of human experience. A gifted communicator, Indre brings science to life for broad audiences through her lectures, podcasts, and creative projects. Her passion lies not only in unraveling the mysteries of the brain but also in showing how art and science can deepen our understanding of ourselves and each other. In our conversation, she spoke about the transformative role of music in education, emphasizing the transferable skills that children gain when they engage with the arts alongside mathematics and the sciences. For Indre, music is not a luxury but a necessity—an essential part of what makes us human, shaping creativity, empathy, and resilience. This interview invites us to see the beauty of connections: between neurons and notes, data and drama, memory and melody.

In this conversation, we meet Eva Obodo, a visual artist from Nsukka, Nigeria, whose work spans painting, sculpture, and mixed media. From his earliest memories, Obodo has been captivated by the act of creating. As a child, he drew pictures in the sand at school—ephemeral sketches that vanished with the wind—teaching him the beauty of impermanence and the importance of process over permanence. At home, his parents encouraged his creativity, even allowing him to draw on his bedroom walls, showing him from a young age that art was valued and that self-expression mattered. Obodo’s practice today is deeply connected to these formative experiences. He works with fibre and charcoal, transforming discarded and everyday materials into relief paintings and free-standing sculptures. Using techniques of wrapping, tying, and bundling, he constructs vibrant, tactile visual narratives. His charcoal pieces reflect on Nigeria’s natural resources and the impacts of development, while his fibre works, often composed of tightly wound nylon threads, create colourful metaphors for the intricate connections between individuals, communities, and global economic networks. In our conversation, Eva shares his philosophy that art should emerge from one’s immediate environment, telling stories rooted in personal and communal histories. He explains how a piece of coal became the foundation for a work reflecting the coal mine where his father worked—a material that carries both memory and meaning. Beyond his artistic practice, Obodo is a passionate advocate for the arts in education, emphasizing that engaging with art cultivates transferable skills, nurtures critical thinking, and encourages creative problem-solving—lessons that extend far beyond the studio. Through this interview, we explore how Eva Obodo intertwines memory, material, and society, offering a compelling glimpse into the mind of an artist who transforms everyday substances into powerful reflections on life, work, and community. https://afikaris.com/artists/115-eva-obodo/

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I had the pleasure of speaking with Owain Park, composer, conductor, and artistic director of the award-winning British vocal ensemble The Gesualdo Six. The group was founded in 2014 in Cambridge for a performance of Gesualdo’s Tenebrae Responsories and has since become one of the most exciting vocal ensembles of our time. Made up of some of the UK’s finest consort singers, The Gesualdo Six has earned international praise for its imaginative programmes and impeccable balance. Since those early student days, the ensemble has gone on to perform at major festivals across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia, making its Wigmore Hall debut in 2021 and appearing as part of the prestigious Deutschlandradio Debut Series. Along the way they have collaborated with the Brodsky Quartet, London Mozart Players, Luxmuralis, William Barton and Matilda Lloyd, constantly pushing the boundaries of what choral performance can be. In our conversation, Owain reflects on how the group first came together while studying, united by a love of Renaissance polyphony, and how that passion continues to shape their journey. He speaks about the enduring power of Renaissance music and how social media has opened unexpected doors, bringing in younger audiences who may not have otherwise discovered this repertoire. We explore the profound impact of performing in historic churches, where the acoustics and architecture lend a sense of timelessness to the music, creating moments that feel both intimate and transcendent. Owain also shares how The Gesualdo Six has embraced immersive performance, combining their sound with visual elements and subtle staging to bring an almost theatrical dimension to their concerts. At the same time, they are deeply engaged with the music of today, commissioning and performing works from contemporary composers, ensuring that choral music remains a living, evolving art form. This interview is not only the story of how six young singers came together to form an internationally celebrated ensemble, but also a reflection on the future of vocal music—how tradition and innovation meet, how old and new speak to each other, and how music continues to connect us across time. https://www.owainpark.co.uk/posts/the-gesualdo-six/

This episode features Dorothy Di Stefano, Founder and Director of Molten Immersive Art, an international collective known for creating large-scale, multi-sensory art experiences. Her projects span the globe — including the landmark Noor Riyadh in Saudi Arabia — and she is recognised as a leading figure in shaping how audiences encounter art in new and unexpected ways. Dorothy’s journey into this field grew from a lifelong love of music, beauty, and curiosity about the world. That passion has evolved into a career where she brings together art, technology, and storytelling to design experiences that engage every sense — sight, sound, touch, and space — drawing people into a deeper relationship with creativity. She highlights why it is essential to keep the artist’s perspective at the core of these projects. For Dorothy, it is not just about creating a spectacle, but about honouring the vision behind the work and ensuring that audiences connect with the authenticity of the artist’s message. In our conversation, Dorothy also describes how this new form of art extends far beyond traditional formats. Instead of simply looking at a painting or sculpture, audiences are invited into an environment where the physical and the emotional come together. In her words, it’s art that can stay with you long after you’ve left the space — because it surrounds you, moves you, and becomes part of your memory.

In this inspiring interview, I speak with Gabriel Gordon, an accomplished Music Director, conductor, and violinist whose career spans the United States, Australia, and Europe. Gabriel currently serves as Music Director of The New American Philharmonic and is a frequent guest conductor with Chamber Orchestra Ogden and The Nova Chamber Series.Gabriel’s journey began early — he started performing professionally as a violinist at just 14 years old. From a young age, he knew his true calling was conducting. By observing great conductors and seizing early opportunities on the podium, Gabriel gradually shaped his craft into a highly respected international career.Alongside his conducting work, Gabriel is passionate about music education. He serves as Orchestra Director at Syracuse Arts Academy and is a board member of The Davis Arts Council, helping nurture the next generation of musicians.One of Gabriel’s greatest joys as a conductor is working with ballet companies. He shares fascinating insights into the art of conducting ballet — a role that requires deep collaboration with dancers, choreographers, and musicians to bring storytelling to life through movement and music. Conducting for ballet is not only about keeping perfect tempo but also about breathing with the dancers, shaping phrases to match choreography, and creating seamless coordination between stage and pit.Gabriel has conducted productions for Ballet West, including The Nutcracker, Rodeo, Les Noces, Dracula, and Stars and Stripes. His ability to blend precision with artistry makes him a sought-after conductor for both symphonic and dance productions.🎶 In this conversation, Gabriel opens up about his career, the unique challenges and rewards of conducting, and his passion for connecting audiences with music through performance and education.

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I did an interview with Mbasa Tsetsana – a theatre actor, writer, and director whose journey through the arts has been nothing short of inspiring. Mbasa’s story begins in East London, South Africa, but his craft has taken him to some of the country’s most renowned stages and screens. From interning and writing for the beloved South African soapie Muvhango, to having his script Fallen Angel selected for ETV’s EKASI: Our Stories in 2013, Mbasa has carved a place for himself in both theatre and film. On stage, he has brought characters to life in powerful productions such as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Athol Fugard’s Master Harold and the Boys, Femi Osofisan’s Morountodun (directed by Andrew Buckland), and Red Shoes (by Leila Henriques). As an award-winning playwright and director, Mbasa’s works have graced stages at the Nelson Mandela Bay Theatre Complex, the East London Guild Theatre, the Joburg Theatre, the South African State Theatre, Artscape, and WITS Theatre. But beyond his achievements, Mbasa speaks passionately about the spirit of creation – about making art not for money first, but for the process, the story, and the soul. In this conversation, he reflects on the challenges of the South African film and theatre industry, the importance of supporting local artists, and his vision of a world where creativity thrives before commerce.Join me for a conversation that celebrates artistry, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Artist’s Voice for more inspiring interviews with artists from around the world.

Meet Charles J. Limb, surgeon, neuroscientist, and lifelong musician — who’s just as comfortable behind a jazz piano as he is in the operating room. These days he’s the Francis A. Sooy Professor and Chief of Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery at UCSF, Director of the Douglas Grant Cochlear Implant Center, and head of the Sound and Music Perception Lab. But before all of that, Charles was a kid at the piano at age five, later picking up the saxophone in middle school. By his teens, he was hooked on improvisation — shaping melodies on the fly — and that spark of creativity led him deep into the world of jazz. Somewhere along the way, the drive to “do something important” pulled him toward medicine. His fascination with sound and music merged perfectly with the precision and artistry of otologic surgery. But Charles didn’t stop there — he wanted to understand what’s actually happening in the brain when we create. During his post-doctoral research fellowship at the NIH, he did something remarkable: he placed professional musicians in an fMRI scanner and studied their brain activity while they played both memorized pieces and improvised on them. The results opened a new window into the neural pathways of creativity. Today, his curiosity is boundless. From jazz piano to freestyle rap, from children’s creativity to stand-up comedians, Charles continues to map the brain’s improvisational magic. He’s even exploring whether music-based improvisation therapy can boost mental flexibility, problem-solving skills, and motor coordination. In our conversation, Charles shares stories from his musical beginnings, his groundbreaking research, and why he believes creativity — whether in art, music, or science — is one of the most powerful forces we can study. https://www.artsandmindlab.org/charles-limb-md-mapping-the-creative-minds-of-musicians/

In this episode, I speak with Rico no Suave, an American talk show host and creator of both the Rico no Suave Talk Show and a popular YouTube cooking channel. Rico shares the story of what sparked his creative journey — a journey fuelled by his natural talent as a problem-solver and his unstoppable creative spirit. He began by doing casual Facebook Live sessions from his car on the way to work, chatting about a wide variety of topics — from finance and nature to heartfelt relationship advice. His easygoing personality and genuine interest in others quickly drew people in, and he discovered a passion for connecting with audiences in a meaningful way. Inspired by legendary talk show hosts such as Jay Leno and Johnny Carson, Rico has developed his own engaging style — warm, relatable, and deeply curious about the people he meets. He thrives on conversations with guests who inspire, have a sense of purpose, and are driven to make a difference. Today, Rico’s creative energy flows into both his talk show and his cooking channel, where he brings people together through stories, laughter, and the shared love of food. With dreams of one day moving into television and expanding his talk show’s reach, Rico no Suave continues to inspire with his belief that meaningful conversations can change lives. https://www.thericonosuaveshow.com

In this interview, I speak with Michael Raynaud, ballet teacher for the third-year students at Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham, UK. Originally from France, Michael began ballet at the age of seven and went on to train for six years at the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet School. Upon graduating, he joined the English National Ballet, touring the world with Swan Lake before becoming a permanent member of the company. Michael opens up about his remarkable journey in the world of ballet, sharing both the triumphs and the challenges that shaped him—notably the serious injury he sustained in his final year of training in Paris. This moment of adversity became a turning point, teaching him invaluable lessons about resilience, mental strength, and the deeper aspects of being a dancer. He reflects on how nearly every dancer faces injury at some point and emphasizes that the true measure of an artist is how they respond, adapt, and grow stronger from such experiences. In our conversation, Michael also delves into his transition from professional dancer to ballet teacher. After retiring from the stage, he chose to step away completely from the ballet world and pursued a course in interior design. This seemingly unexpected detour gave him a renewed perspective on life beyond the studio. He believes that this time away helped him become the passionate, empathetic, and grounded teacher he is today—one who understands the full arc of a dancer's life. Now at Elmhurst, Michael not only teaches advanced ballet technique but also prepares his students for the often unpredictable path that follows graduation. He encourages them to see beyond auditions and rejections, reminding them that “not getting a role or a place in a company is not the end—just a redirection.” He urges young dancers to stay open to possibilities and keep their passion alive, because the future often brings opportunities in the most unexpected ways. What shines through in this interview is Michael’s deep dedication to nurturing the next generation of dancers—not only technically, but emotionally and mentally. His holistic approach, shaped by both his career and his time away from ballet, offers invaluable insights into what it means to truly prepare for life as a professional artist. Join us for this heartfelt and empowering conversation about the beauty of ballet, the reality of setbacks, and the importance of embracing both discipline and possibility on the journey from student to stage—and beyond.

In this interview, I speak with Sophie Zimmermann, a talented production designer and set designer who proudly calls herself a "Production Magician"—and rightfully so. Sophie shares her passion for creating immersive, unforgettable experiences for live theatre, concerts, circus, and large-scale events, all while making the impossible possible. From crafting intricate props and scenography to solving complex logistical puzzles, Sophie thrives on the challenges that come with transforming abstract creative visions into seamless stage realities. For her, the true magic lies in making everything look effortless—so that audiences can simply enjoy the moment, without ever wondering how the illusion came to life. Currently, Sophie is part of the production team of “Terhal,” a groundbreaking Saudi theatrical show produced by Dragone in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Culture. The production is a spectacular fusion of Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage with cutting-edge stage technology, lighting, and natural elements—an ambitious celebration of the country’s evolving cultural identity. Sophie also reflects on her recent work on the Helene Fischer's tour through Germany and Austria, where she enjoyed the dynamic nature of being in a different venue every three to four days, adapting designs to new spaces, and maintaining the visual magic across all performances. Another major highlight was her involvement in Eurovision 2026, where she helped orchestrate the monumental task of coordinating precise stage setups for each act—under tight time constraints and with no room for error. Beyond the lights and spectacle, Sophie opens up about the unsung role of stage and production designers, advocating for greater recognition of the creativity, skill, and problem-solving that goes into every production. And indeed, after hearing Sophie speak about her work with such clarity, warmth, and humility, one cannot help but agree—she is a true production magician. Her ability to conjure entire worlds, manage chaos behind the curtain, and deliver visual poetry to audiences across the globe is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Tune in to discover how Sophie brings magic to the stage—and why her work, and the work of countless others like her, deserves to be seen, valued, and celebrated. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-zimmermann/?locale=en_US

In this fascinating episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with Anjan Chatterjee, Professor of Neurology, Psychology, and Architecture and Director, Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics A distinguished neurologist and cognitive neuroscientist, Professor Chatterjee shares insights from over three decades of research in spatial attention, language, and the intricate relationship between language and space. The conversation delves deeply into his pioneering work in neuroaesthetics—a field he began exploring in the late 1990s, long before it gained academic traction. As one of the early voices in the field, he reflects on its evolution and growing relevance, particularly over the last decade, where a notable surge in publications has marked its emergence as a serious area of scientific inquiry. Professor Chatterjee discusses his influential book, The Aesthetic Brain: How We Evolved to Desire Beauty and Enjoy Art, in which he explores the biological foundations of aesthetic experience. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and evolutionary theory, his work investigates why humans are drawn to beauty, how our brains process art, and what this reveals about cognition and culture. He explains how aesthetic preferences influence everything from our perception of faces to our reactions to visual art and design, offering compelling insights into how beauty affects our brains, behavior, and decision-making. The interview also highlights the promising work of a new generation of scientists who are expanding the field of neuroaesthetics and neuroarchitecture, bringing fresh perspectives to the study of how art and design shape human experience. Professor Chatterjee’s interdisciplinary approach—bridging neuroscience, ethics, and aesthetics—underscores the importance of understanding the brain not just in clinical terms, but as a central organ of cultural and emotional life. https://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g275/p15498

In this compelling and candid interview, Berny Martin—a Haitian-American fashion designer, style consultant, custom tailor, and founder of Catou—shares the inspiring journey that led him to the heart of the fashion industry. Berny launched Catou in 2005 in Indianapolis, Indiana, and has since built it into an internationally recognized line of men’s and women’s professional wear. Raised by his grandparents in Haiti before moving to Brooklyn with his parents, Berny's childhood experiences shaped his unique perspective and creative spirit. Reflecting on his school days, Berny discovered a heartfelt message in his yearbook from friends who predicted his future as a fashion designer — a prophecy fulfilled through hard work and determination. Berny opens up about his early challenges, including his very first fashion show, which he admits was a complete failure. Rather than letting this setback define him, Berny used it as motivation to push forward and build his brand from the ground up. He shares fascinating stories from his time in Zimbabwe, where, armed only with patterns cut from newspaper, he navigated power outages and logistical hurdles to create his first clothing range. These formative experiences became invaluable lessons in both business and creativity. Now with showrooms in major U.S. cities, Berny gives an honest look behind the scenes of the fashion world, discussing the realities of designing not just for art, but for market demand. He reflects on the delicate balance between creative expression and commercial viability and offers thoughtful insights into the current state and future of the fashion industry. This interview is a refreshing reminder that fashion is far more than glamorous runway shows and glossy magazines — it’s a story of perseverance, adaptation, and passion. Berny Martin’s journey as an international designer, style consultant, custom tailor, and founder of Catou is a testament to how obstacles can fuel success, making this conversation a must-watch for anyone interested in the true face of fashion. https://bernymartin.com