by Todd Betzold

The kids were in the studio on this week's Work Of Art: The Next Great Artist and put the artists up to some hard challenges of trying to compliment a piece they made during their time at Studio In The School. The judges weren't feeling the piece done by Tewz, as he was sent home packing. Today we got an exclusive interview with Tewz as he talked about his experiences on Work Of Art.

Q: Todd, RealityWanted: What made you try out for Work Of Art?
A: Tewz: I watched the entire first season. I liked the show and thought the judges' ideas paralleled with my vision. I'm a competitive person and have won competitions in the past. I won the Cut & Paste Digital Design Tournament for Chicago in 2007. From watching the show, thought I could do it.

Q: Todd, RealityWanted: What were your thoughts when you walked into the studio and saw all the kids sitting at your stations?
A: Tewz: I was thinking, wow this is cool. I like kids and I work with kids. Thought this shouldn't be hard at all.

Q: Todd, RealityWanted: How do you feel about the piece you created, given the time constraints in the competition?
A: Tewz: I love my piece. Don't think I should've gone home. On tv and how they show it is different. The judges didn't like it.

Q: Todd, RealityWanted: Do you feel you had the opportunity to show the judges your specialty of graffiti art during the competition?
A: Tewz: I think a little bit. Every single piece had spray paint on it. On the frog...could have used a 2-D effect. Did more in the pop art challenge and they liked it. I did graffiti with the letters in the last piece.

Q: Todd, RealityWanted: Did any of the other artists stand out to you during the competition?
A: Tewz: Definitely, Kymia's work stood out from the beginning. Her self-portrait...had a spiritual connection to the other side. That responds to me. I dug Michelle's paper sculptures.

Q: Todd, RealityWanted: Would you ever do another reality show?
A: Tewz: I don't know. I've asked myself that a lot. Part of me says no and part of me says yes. Maybe if I got paid I would.

Q: Todd, RealityWanted: Do you have any thoughts on who might win this season, and why?
A: Tewz: I don't know. There are a lot of great artists on the show. Have to watch to see who it is.

Q: Todd, RealityWanted: What's next for Tewz?
A: Tewz: Right now, I just put out my album called, "Exsoteric." It is available on iTunes, Napster and Rhapsody. I'm hoping to get it pressed onto vinyl...180 grams. I have a Kickstarter to help out with that. I continue to make art as well. Look for Tewz on Kickstarter and follow me on Twitter, @tewz1 and my website is tewz1.com. Also, look for collaboration with Sucklord.

Work Of Art: The Next Great Artist airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on Bravo.

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

Follow Todd @tbetzold