Easton Artist Competes in Johnny Depp’s People’s Artist Contest

An Easton silicone artist was recently selected to compete in the People’s Artist contest presented by actor, musician and filmmaker Johnny Depp.

Although Viktoria Marchev made it through the top 20, top 15 and top 10 cuts in her group, she didn’t end up in the top 5 round and received a badge as an Art of Elysium Selected Artist.

“As a designer, creating in my studio in Easton, I’m passionate about coming up with fashion statements with an unusual approach,” she said. “Through this competition, I was able to showcase my work in different ways to reach a new audience. This experience has been incredibly meaningful because I learned a lot about my audience and how supportive they are.”

Marchev shapes unusual silhouettes into fashion statements. Starting her brand mainly focusing on swimwear, she transitioned into new technologies as an answer to questions about unique design, moldable patterns and sustainability. 

In her studio in Easton, she designs and makes every piece herself, “experimentation being my longtime loyal companion.” Throughout her career in fashion, she has designed more than 15 collections, dressed stage performers, singers, dancers and influencer celebrities for events. Her work is regularly published in print and online fashion magazines. 

Most recently, Japanese stand-up comedian Naomi Watanabe wore a red silicone piece with roses for the cover of “Timid Magazine,” and “IKON Magazine” published an exclusive interview featuring multiple collections in its June print issue. 

Marchev created a capsule collection for the Museum of Science Fiction in Washington, D.C., to invite sci-fi enthusiasts into the world of silicone fashion. Her futuristic designs have been recognized by multiple design awards, including the Kyoto Global Design Awards and Design Skill Awards. Her designs are available in showrooms in New York’s SoHo and Midtown, as well as in Los Angeles. She is a member of the United Nations Sustainable Fashion and  Lifestyle Network.

The contest selected thousands of artists from different fields in the U.S. including painters, sculptors, designers and more and, after the entry requirement — a captivating art portfolio — was completed, the contest focused on the artists’ social skills. The competition encouraged the contestants to promote their work and ask for their fans’ support, offering the sole winner $25,000, an appearance in “Artforum Magazine” and an exhibition at the Art of Elysium Salon in Los Angeles. 

In each round, artists had to collect public votes through their social platforms and other media outlets to encourage their fan base and new audiences to support them in advancing in the contest. Throughout each round, the competing artists needed to find new ways to present their artwork and convince audiences that they are worthy of their daily or donation votes. 

One of the contest’s goals, organizers said, was raising funds for the Art of Elysium Salon to spread love and healing through art and make it available for those most in need. Donation votes supported this goal. Communication was a key element in informing and convincing voters about the current state of the contest and helping them in finding the ways to contribute. 

“There are lots of local artists who might look for recognition,” said Marchev, “and they should know that there are such opportunities.”