Petra Sittig

About Petra Sittig

This channel is dedicated to raising awareness and showing support for the creative individuals and organizations who are shaping the future of arts and culture. I believe in giving artists a powerful platform to express themselves, share their stories, and showcase their unique perspectives. Through this project, I aim to amplify their voices and highlight the importance of the arts in our society. The arts have played a crucial role in the evolution of humanity, and it's essential to recognize both the artists who have paved the way and those who are creating today. I hope to inspire and educate younger generations about the significance of the arts, especially as they've been increasingly marginalized in our educational systems. Join me in celebrating all forms of art and fostering a deeper understanding of their value in our lives and communities. Let's ensure that arts and culture continue to thrive and remain relevant for future generations.

Publisher

Petra Sittig

Category

arts · arts · tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Jan 2022

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

558 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Oct 2026

   Francis Jay: Why Art Is About the Process, Not the Result

   In this conversation with South African SAMA award-winning R&B singer, songwriter and producer Francis Jay, we talk about the role that music and creativity have played in his life from a young age. Francis shares how his sister, opera singer Monica Mhangwana, encouraged him and inspired him to start writing songs. She also passed on some of the knowledge and lessons she had gathered along her own musical journey. Music was part of his family life, with his father playing guitar and his mother singing in a choir. One of the things I found particularly interesting about our conversation was Francis's understanding of creativity and the artistic process. He speaks honestly about the challenges of making art, especially when you care deeply about what you are creating. He believes that everyone has the ability to create something they feel passionate about, and that we should explore art not simply for the end result, but for the experience and process itself. I really enjoyed this conversation with Francis and the depth of thought he brings to the subject of creativity. It was also lovely to have had the opportunity to speak with both Francis and his sister Monica, each of whom has their own creative path. There is something special about seeing how two people from the same family have developed their own artistic voices, while sharing such a humble and caring approach to what they do. Every artist has a story worth hearing, and I am happy to share Francis's story with you. https://www.songfinch.com/artists/francis-jay?srsltid=AU7gw4Wq8xFQWWG1BOlTkA-VkhTtDahwpEK7GwaKrBaFYY-ZksF1xidm If you've enjoyed The Artist's Voice, you're invited to support the project through https://buymeacoffee.com/petrasittig Every coffee helps keep meaningful conversations with artists brewing. Thanks for listening, watching, and cheering on the arts! 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/

2. 

   8 Oct 2026

   Zarek Silberschmidt: Finding His Own Voice Through Gypsy Jazz

   In this conversation, I speak with guitarist Zarek Silberschmidt, a full-time freelance musician based in Basel, Switzerland, whose work spans solo and ensemble performance, studio work, composition and music education. Zarek’s approach to the guitar is as curious and unconventional as his musical journey, moving between solo guitar, traditional jazz, fingerstyle, Dixieland and, most importantly, Gypsy Jazz. Zarek talks about his early years in Australasia, teaching himself to play and developing his own way of learning. After moving to Switzerland, he hoped to study Jazz formally, but when he wasn’t accepted into music school, he simply continued playing, practising and finding his own way forward. Then he discovered Gypsy Jazz, and something clicked. He knew this was a musical world he wanted to explore more deeply. We talk about his passion for Gypsy Jazz and some of the history behind this beautiful genre, as well as the many other styles that have shaped his playing. Although Gypsy Jazz has become a particular passion, Zarek’s curiosity continues to take him in different musical directions. I always find it fascinating to hear the stories of artists who begin by teaching themselves and then, through dedication, perseverance and curiosity, discover their own path. Sometimes not getting into an art or music school can open another door, leading an artist towards a different way of learning, meeting people, finding inspiration and developing their own voice. I always find it fascinating to hear the stories of artists who begin by teaching themselves and then, through dedication, perseverance and curiosity, discover their own path. Sometimes not getting into an art or music school can open another door, leading an artist towards a different way of learning, meeting people, finding inspiration and developing their own voice. I first discovered Zarek through his guitar videos on Instagram, and I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to learn more about the musician behind them and about the beautiful world of Gypsy Jazz. Every artist has a story worth hearing. If you've enjoyed The Artist's Voice, you're invited to support the project through https://buymeacoffee.com/petrasittig Every coffee helps keep meaningful conversations with artists brewing. Thanks for listening, watching, and cheering on the arts! 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/

3. 

   5 Oct 2026

   First the Soul, Then the Lines | The Art of Aurélien VLNA

   In this conversation, I speak with wildlife artist Aurélien VLNA, whose paintings grow from a deep connection with animals and the natural world. Aurélien travels around the world to experience wildlife in its natural surroundings. For him, being out in the wild is not simply about observing an animal. It is about sensing its presence, its movement and its energy. He brings this experience into his paintings through a fascinating process that begins with movement and colour. Aurélien sees his paintings in different parts. First comes the soul of the animal. He paints with the same movement he senses in the animal, allowing the energy of the creature to become part of the painting. Only afterwards does he use ink to draw the details and distinctive characteristics that make each animal what it is. “First the soul, then comes the lines.” Gold and silver leaf bring light into his work, almost as though he is revealing the value and preciousness of the animal itself. Some of his paintings take many hours to complete. In a world that is constantly moving faster, Aurélien has chosen another pace. He calls it slow art. “Nature never rushes. Neither do I.” What struck me most during our conversation is the genuine connection I sense between Aurélien and the animals he paints. He has found his own voice and his place within the world of wildlife art, and his work has begun to receive recognition from major wildlife art communities. He was selected for the prestigious Natural Eye 2026 exhibition in London. This is a conversation about wildlife, movement, patience and the search for the soul within a painting. Every artist has a story worth hearing. If you've enjoyed The Artist's Voice, you're invited to support the project through https://buymeacoffee.com/petrasittig Every coffee helps keep meaningful conversations with artists brewing. Thanks for listening, watching, and cheering on the arts! 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/

Who has been a guest on Petra Sittig

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Anton Luitingh
• Christina Baader
• Geir Ness
• Cinzia Fossati
• Nathalie Peña Comas

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

137,286

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 74 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

91

Social presence

0

YouTube

82

Engagement

60