PROFILE
Mother and son duo, Judy and Tim Sharp are breakthrough speakers with an inspirational story like now other. 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. A discovery that changed their lives forever, in ways they could only imagine.
Tim was 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” has covered Judy and Tim’s story twice, propelling them into the nation’s living rooms. 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 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 premiered at the Brisbane Festival in 2017 and then subsequently toured to Melbourne and the Sydney Opera house to rave reviews. The show received 4 Helpmann award nominations. And in exciting news, we hope to see Laser Beak Man hit the big screen. Plans are afoot…watch this space!
SPEAKING TOPICS
A Double Shot of Happiness
A Double Shot of Happiness is 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. You won’t want to miss this inspirational story of two incredible Australians.
