Art star and Laser Beak Man creator triumphs over gloomy autism diagnosis

By Maria Kyriacou

Art star and Laser Beak Man creator triumphs over gloomy autism diagnosis
New bestselling book about a mum seeing beyond son's autism diagnosis and recognising his artistic talent

Laser Beak Man, was created by Tim Sharp when he was only 11. Concerns about Sharp’s development were flagged when he was three-years-old, exhibiting some unusual behaviours and only speaking a couple of words.

An autism diagnosis followed, and as his mother Judy explained in their charismatic joint Ted Talk, a child psychiatrist told her that his disabilities were so extensive that he would never be able to speak or even feel anything for her.

Unfazed, solo-mum Judy began trying to communicate with him by drawing stick figures. Soon, four-year-old Tim began to draw too, and his quirky artistic style shone through.

Fast-forward to today, and Laser Beak Man is an ABC3 TV animation series, that has also been sold to the Cartoon Network Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

The 27-year-old Brisbane artist has defied many of the gloomy predictions made by doctors when he was young, becoming a respected, highly sought after International art star.

His work has been exhibited at The Sydney Opera House, the Brisbane Powerhouse and the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. He was also commissioned by Nashville rock band The Ghost Ballerina’s to create artwork for their album, Play Me On The Radio.

Now his mother has written an inspiring book, Double Shot of Happiness, chronicling his period of diagnosis, childhood development and his blossoming art career. The book is climbing up the bestseller’s lists, currently sitting at number two.

If you’re in Melbourne this Thursday, join the dynamic duo for a lunchtime conversation that’s sure to be full of laughs and animation.

When: Thursday 16 July 2015, 12.45pm-1.45pm

Where: The Wheeler Centre, Melbourne

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