The People's Artist | Online Competition
- Studio Archivist
- 24 hours ago
- 4 min read
As of May 4th, Storm Ritter has been selected to participate in an online contest for The People's Artist, sponsored by The Art of Elysium and associated with Art Forum and Johnny Depp. With so many brilliant creatives involved, this is merely a marketing opportunity to connect with others and expand her network. You are able to vote online for Storm Ritter, but also know, online contests are Fortuna's way of spinning her wheel of luck to open unexpected doors.
Storm Ritter
Creating is a bewitching obsession — my artistry divinely fulfills. Just seeking out the noumena of my soul; that’s all I’m taking with me!
What is your favorite type of art to create?
Surrealistic stories, inspired by musical frisson — always featuring my spiritual figures, “The Cool People.” My storytellers remind me that I'm never alone, and others feel that too. I’m bias to creating work that fills my own cup, otherwise I’m offering up prosecco, masquerading as champagne. My life, wholeheartedly, is my authentic art—every thought, every action—so I don't play favorites. If I make a difference, that's the tops! I am lucky enough to own my creative process.
Where do you find inspiration?
Emotions — triggered by music, memories, and mania. When I fall into a studio flow, I ambidextrously paint, transferring my inner world organically. Synchronicities, theatrical experiences and nostalgic pop culture drive my evolving interests, backed by my intellectual pursuits in the esoteric and philosophy. The beauty of aging and introspection inspires immensely. I'm curious and sedulous to find out why I am divinely here through painting and how I can spark passion for the people around.
What would you do with $25,000?
Pay the bills, baby! Working artists need to keep a roof overhead. My studio cat, Velvet, should never be concerned about her food on the table. When I'm not launching shows or experiences, I sell my fine art and fashion on stormritter.com, which keeps me afloat. Any additional funding fuels my ability to evolve my business, support my family and execute philanthropic projects. I don't need to be rich nor famous; I solely desire to paint every single day! The Cool People got my back either way.
More About The Competition
The People’s Artist invites artists aged 18 and over from across North America to compete for $25,000, a feature in Artforum Magazine, and the opportunity to display their artwork at The Art of Elysium’s Salon in Los Angeles. The People’s Artist supports The Art of Elysium. The Art of Elysium uses creativity as a catalyst for healing and connection. Since 1997, the organization has empowered artists and communities through tailor-made art programs designed to help people overcome social and emotional challenges.
Note From The Artist
"In the past year, I’ve found new clarity, evolving into a stronger artist than showman, while seeing how I can make a stronger social impact with my visual storytelling. No doubt, I am not a wealthy person, so that does make me quite the risk taker in my time investments. Regardless, I have concrete faith in my work ethic and the Universe’s agenda. My studio is overflowing with paintings, not seen yet by anyone but my studio cat, Velvet. Whether it’s a quantum leap or delusional hermit mania, I’m proud in how far I’m travelling. Over 15 years now I have been mentally & physically hustling, leading me now to experience effects of rheumatoid arthritis, which has just been a push to prioritize empathic care, natural nourishment and philosophical writing work. It’s an unexpected gift, not a boo hoo sob note, yet intimate to share as that’s my reality!
I’m not a big believer in online contests as they often lean towards a social media popularity battle and an inaccurate way to measure a person’s talent. When I signed up for this, it was another way to connect and network to a new audience.
Alas, I’m happy to share to submit a FREE vote whether it’s for me or another artist. But know – please do not feel obligated to pay as all funds should truly be given directly to all contending artists, despite the non-profit of the gallery. Johnny Depp is a beautiful face for the contest and the sponsor gallery is a wonderful contribution to the arts community, so not disregarding their positive philanthropic efforts. Yet there are working artists praying for a victory, so paying to grow their status does not grow their bank accounts. In this world climate, the winning amount of $25,000 does not get you far. Artists have to stick together and lift each other up. Using artists’ fanbases as a vehicle for a fundraiser sometimes isn’t the coolest avenue when the struggling artists are the ones who need the funds!
Being an artist is about SPEAKING UP for our people and the underdogs. I urge you to discover new artists in this contest, support your artist friends by buying art directly and recommend their talents to your circles. Any artist you find on this platform is purely someone who deserves a win (no matter how small.) The real competition in 2026 is AI and big business. Vote for free! Reach out to new people! Return love to people who share themselves with you!
What I’ve submitted for this competition is past portfolio, a small glimpse of my universe. If you know me, you know The Cool People. And without a doubt, I don’t need a People’s Artist title to know I am The Cool People’s Artist. Endless love and gratitude to those who always have my back – you know I don’t give up! Mama purely needs agency + representation, so spread the that word!"
