“I Didn’t Want It to End, EVER!” - An Interview with Wickedly Perfect’s Amy

RealityNewsOnline: Thanks for this interview! You must be proud that you got so far in the game. How did you hear about Wickedly Perfect?

Amy: The CBS website had a picture and a logo for “The Search for the Next Domestic Diva.” I said, “That’s me!” and set in a tape.

RNO: Was there another competitor you connected with?

Amy: I connected with most of the competitors in one way or another. It was hard not to, since we were in this intensely exhilarating and competitive atmosphere, forced to work together day and night and then go through the emotions of victory and loss, only to start it all again a few hours later. We were exhausted and excited to the point of giddiness. We laughed constantly, and sometimes we cried. I ended up being closest with the people on my team, because of the shared time, common objective, and compatible styles. We had fun and inspired and respected each other as individuals. I got a chance to get to know team Artisan more after the show and I’m glad I did. Mitch and Heather were my Beaver buddies until the end!

RNO: Which challenge was your favorite?

Amy: I loved all of the challenges. I didn’t want it to end, EVER! We had a great time camping, but the living art episode was my time to shine. I loved the project and the process, and I loved the final product. Our piece was something that reflected our personalities and demonstrated each person’s talents. Most of all, it was eye-popping, beautiful, and clever - Tim was living art. He was so brave to let me paint him, and he was freezing, poor guy! I was shocked that we lost - and why?! Because the frame did not match the painting? Please! Frames are supposed to compliment the art; they do not detract. Our frame was whimsical and perfect for the piece. You do not walk into a museum to look at the frames; you look at the ART. Perhaps our team was punished because my mask resembled a certain judge?

RNO: What did you learn the most? Which skill did you develop the most?

Amy: I learned how to keep my mouth closed and still get my way! I learned a lot about my ability to perform under pressure, to execute and stay composed and be a valuable, amiable member of a team. I learned that I do not need a lot of sleep! But most of all, I learned how much I truly love creating and collaborating. I enjoyed the process, the people, and the product.

RNO: What do you think was your biggest contribution to your team?

Amy: Practically speaking, I made sure things got done, did my work well and on time, made sure the small, difference-making details were attended to, even if it meant never sleeping, regardless of what had to be sacrificed for my individual projects. Sometimes I think the greatest contributions are harder to see, and maybe too subtle to show up on reality “radar.” Just keeping the team focused and cooperative is an enormous contribution when your teammates are also your opponents. I think I was a leader in that way.

It seems like reality TV defines leadership as telling others what to do and grabbing undue credit until you are no longer welcome. But in my experience, and effective leader empowers and inspires others, and is secure and smart enough to steer from the backseat. I think I helped my team members be better, and allowed them to do the same for me, by saying “we” more than “I,” and acknowledging and encouraging each player’s talents and contributions. I kept in mind the whole time that the most important part of the game was to win as a team first.

RNO: Who were you most excited to see back right before the vacant lot challenge?

Amy: Tim! I wish he could have been on my team again!

RNO: If you could have picked the teams from the beginning, who would you have wanted to work with?

Amy: The original Beavers were great! Despite the egos and agendas, I think we complemented each other really well and covered a lot of ground. For the most part, every member of that team was really versatile and innovative. We were more interested in creating than copying, and we brought out the best in each other.

RNO: If you could, what would you have done differently during your screen test?

Amy: I would have spilled more beans, and then I would have tried to eat them.

RNO: Any regrets? Would you do the show again?

Amy: I would do the show a million times if I could. I only regret that my contractor dad didn’t see me swinging a hammer (it’s amazing how the furniture just refinished itself) and my mom didn’t get to hear Bobby raving about my soup, salads, and brunch service at the B&B. I would do a better job of explaining that the next style-maker has to break new ground, find a new audience, and appeal to different sensibilities. No one can out-Martha Martha, and I think the children’s market is huge. Children and adults are ready for a style-maker that is daring, imperfect, colorful, and whimsical…someone like me.

RNO: Thank you again! By the way, those tie snakes were adorable.

Amy: Thank you so much. I get calls every day requesting tie snakes for my student art lessons, but I am saving them for a Wickedly Perfect-inspired art camp this summer in New York City. For more info, ask me at amy@viaverdeart.com.

Jenn Brasler is an aspiring writer from Falls Church, VA. You can e-mail her at luckyjenn@hotmail.com. She's trying to decide whether to use her powers for good…or evil. She will write for money. Or candy. Or clothes from Old Navy.

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