AEIOU News

Local Autistic Artist Shares His Drawings with the World

Mon, 7 Jun 10

Tim Sharp is a 21 year old Brisbane artist who has achieved remarkable things.

After being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 3, Tim's mother Judy Sharp was told he would never talk, go to school or have any quality of life and to 'put him away and forget about him'. But over the last decade, Tim has been expressing himself through a quirky superhero character called Laser Beak Man and is taking the art world by storm.

People with autism see the world differently and Tim's clever artworks are a colourful illustration of the literal meaning behind popular phrases. They have been exhibited in art galleries and cities all around the world including Washington DC, New York and the Sydney Opera House. His artwork became so well known, Laser Beak Man has also been turned into an animated TV series on ABC3.

Tim has been recognised publically with awards including finalist for both the Young Queenslander of the Year and the Young Australian of the Year. He was also recently appointed as an Ambassador for the AEIOU Foundation, an up and coming Queensland charity that provides assistance to children diagnosed with autism.

Founder and Chairman of the AEIOU Foundation Dr James Morton said "to say Tim is an inspiration is an understatement, we are so blessed to have such an incredible ambassador!"

"Tim gives many parents of children with autism great hopes that they will live highly fulfilling and rewarding lives," James said.

Tim's art is in high demand from international and Australian art collectors. In 2004 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.

The Laser Beak Man TV series was created by BigFish TV and also won the Best Animation award at Tropfest 2010.

Tim said "I am so excited that Laser Beak Man is now on TV. That's what I have always wanted. Drawing makes me happy. I like it when people smile at my drawings and say nice things."

Even though Tim will always require a high level of assistance because of his autism, his talents are unique and highly valued. He is a true unsung hero.

You can watch Laser Beak Man at 6:50am on ABC3 each weekday.

(pictured) Laser Beak Man and the Barbie Queue.