Tim and Judy Sharp are break-through speakers who share their inspirational story of how a boy diagnosed with severe autism went on to become one of Australia's best-known international artists.
At 11 years of age Tim created a superhero called Laser Beak Man and became the first person with Autism to have his work developed into an animated TV series and theatre production. Tim shares his sense of humour and unique way of looking at the world through his colourful art. His originals are in high demand from collectors and have been exhibited Australia and globally.
Judy and Tim captured the audience from the very beginning and enthralled us all. Tears all round and I have been receiving positive feedback from all around Australia. Most comments were along the lines of “It was the best presentation I’ve seen".
Thank you for sharing your story with us at our National Sales Conference.
Our staff were so inspired by your presentation and it provided a powerful reminder of the power of the human spirit in how we deliver in our own business. We had great feedback from our staff on your session which helped to set up our conference in an impactful way
Tim and Judy were absolutely brilliant. Their powerful story was a huge hit at our Mothers Day Lunch and I don't think there was a dry eye in the restaurant. A standing ovation from Eagle Junction State School.
Naturally everyone LOVED Tim and Judy! Our attendees rated their session as excellent on our post event survey. I was so amazed by the travels and projects that they’ve accomplished since their TEDx talk! I was also very impressed by how tight their presentation had become , in addition how engaging and humorous they were, we were captivated with every word – Event Manager Finance Industry
When Tim was born Judy quickly realised he wasn’t responding like other babies his age. Yet doctors would not diagnose Tim with Autism until after his 3rd birthday. Judy was told there was very little hope for Tim or his development. Rejecting the prognosis Judy never gave up on her son and finally discovered she was able to open the door to communication through drawing. This discovery that changed their lives forever, in ways they could only imagine.
Tim has been nominated for Young Australian of the year and at age 16 he was the only Australian selected for the VSA (Very Special Arts) Festival in Washington DC. VSA was founded by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith - sister of President John F. Kennedy. The ABC's "Australian Story” covered this story and propelled Tim and Judy into the nations living rooms. 8 animated episodes of Laser Beak Man have been released and screened on networks within NZ, Australia and Asia. In 2012 a short film about Tim was shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City. His art has been exhibited at the Sydney Opera House and the National Museum of Australia, Washington DC and New York.
When Tim and Judy spoke at TEDx Sydney where they received the only standing ovation of the event. In 2015 they signed a book deal with Allen & Unwin and released the story of their lives aptly titled: A Double Shot of Happiness. 2014-15 Laser Beak Man found residency at the New Victory Theatre in New York with the Dead Puppet Society. There was great enthusiasm and support for the development of the stage show including support from the Jim Henson Foundation. Laser Beak Man premieres at the Brisbane Festival 2017 to rave reviews and received 4 Helpmann award nominations. In 2019 the stage show tours nationally to Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney with future plans for overseas locations.
A powerful keynote from Tim and Judy Sharp that tells the story of how a boy diagnosed with severe autism went on to become one of Australia's best-known international artists and the creator of Laser Beak Man.
Their presentation features Tim’s original artworks which are accompanied by stories of overcoming enormous challenges, to the recognition, awards and celebrity encounters, and everything else in-between.
Tim and Judy receive standing ovations as they share their incredible story of adversity, persistence, resilience, inclusion and triumph. As their testimonials show, no matter who you are, or what you do, people walk away from this presentation with a memorable and a unique experience.
