Tim Sharp is 23 years old and has Autism. Autism is a lifelong condition that is without a cure. It severely affects everyday life and it cruelly impacts the most on the ability to communicate and form relationships.
Tim was diagnosed with Autism when he was three years old. Such were Tim’s enormous difficulties that the doctor's advice was "that the best thing to do was put him away and forget about him." Rejecting the prognosis, intensive therapy began immediately and bravely Tim tried to overcome what was so terrifying and difficult for him.
Drawing was used as a way of helping Tim to communicate. At age 11 Tim invented Laser Beak Man who allows Tim to show the world his great sense of humour and intelligence as well as his quirky way of looking at life.
In 2012 Tim continues to create Laser Beak Man art for a solo exhibition while also trying to meet the demands of the long list of enthusiasts from around the world waiting for their own piece of Laser Beak Man art. His art works are very much in demand for private and public collections.
Tim is also working on projects in theatre, more television, music, with rock band The Ghost Ballerinas, from Nashville Tennesse, writing , international collaborations, charity work and public appearances spreading the message of hope and ability. Also Film Festivals with the short film produced by Arts Queensland in 2011.
Tim has a growing number of fans including actress Cate Blanchett, The Wiggles, world famous artist Stephen Wiltshire from London, fashion designer extraodinaire Alex Perry, the Governor General of Australia Ms. Quentin Bryce, Football coach Wayne Bennett along with other famous Australians including swimming coach Laurie Laurence, broadcaster Alan Jones, and media personality Deborah Thomas, Wendall Sailor and Tim Maddren from Hi 5 and legendary rock band Radio Birdman who wear LBM tshirts on tour. Tim has helped to raise ten of thousands of dollars around the world for Autism and children's charities through the sale of his art at various events. He is a charity ambassador for AEIOU.
Tim was the only Australian selected by a jury in the young adult drawing category for the VSA (Very Special Arts) Festival in Washington DC. Founded 30 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith - sister of President John F. Kennedy - VSA is the largest art festival in the world for people with disabilities. Acceptance to the festival was an extraordinary achievement and the story of Tim's trip to Washington DC was told on the ABC's "Australian Story."
Exhibiting at the Sydney Opera House and the National Museum of Australia as well as Washington DC and New York, Tim's colorful art is very much in demand from international and Australian art collectors. A finalist for the Young Australian of the Year, Tim has also received many awards and extensive Australian and international media coverage.
Now Tim has had another dream come true, as Laser Beak Man now has his own 8 episode animated series screening on ABC3TV, Cartoon Network Asia, New Zealand and Australia, a world first for a young man with Autism to have his creation turned into a television series.
Tim also makes many public appearances to spread the message of ability and acceptance, at schools and events.
Art allows Tim to enjoy some of things he wants most in life, acceptance and inclusion, an encouraging word, a happy smile and friendship. The future is quite limited for Tim but Laser Beak Man is helping Tim build a brighter future for himself and step outside the loneliness of Autism. It is also enabling him to spread the message of hope and ability.