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Tomorrow night the Brisbane Twestival will be held at Joshua Levi Galleries and I’ve donated this mysterious package to be auctioned off, with proceeds from the auction (and indeed the whole night) going to the Inspire Foundation.

The Inspire Foundation was established in 1996 in direct response to Australia’s then escalating rates of youth suicide.

We combine technology with the direct involvement of young people to deliver innovative and practical online programs that prevent youth suicide and improve young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Our mission is to help millions of young people lead happier lives.

Awesome cause, right?!

As for my package, the contents aren’t that mysterious I’m auctioning off one of my frankie doodles, and I’ve included a note on a postcard (as well as my card!) If you’ve got nothing else to do tomorrow night, and you want to listen to some local bands and buy some local art – go to the Joshua Levi Galleries and get a ticket on the door. It’s only $18!

There’ll be lollies and cupcakes too!

Red Bubble are collaborating with Stefen Sagmeister on the Happy project, and I submitted this piece (called “five“) to the contest. Basically we were asked to rate ourselves on a scale from 1-10, with 1 being depressed and 10 being elated, and submit a piece based on a template for inclusion in Sagmeister’s “Happy Film”. I put myself right in the middle at “five” because most of the time I feel fairly neutral – but that’s not to say I have a phlegmatic personality… on the contrary. I feel like a pendulum, at rest in the middle and liable to swing to and fro when I am jostled! So while I am neutral, I’m also playful.

I was given the opportunity to submit a question for Stefen, and he graciously answered it! My question was

“Do you consider yourself a designer even when you’re not being paid to solve problems, and if so, how can you separate that from being an “artist” who solves personal/cultural problems?”

I’m not sure if it comes across, but my question was an earnest one. I am often confused between the art/ design label, especially when it comes to the work of Sagmeister and also Marian Bantjes. I tend to dabble in this sort of “no man’s land” between art and design, and as such I really look up to these design heroes. Stefen’s answer is great, and really helped to clarify his position too!