Artist can spread happiness via art. Tim loves to draw and cultivate happiness through his art. Being diagnosed with autism at age 3, he used drawing as his vehicle to communicate. Drawing certainly helped and resulted in Tim inventing his own colorful superhero Laser Beak Man at age 11, who helps Tim to express his humorous side. At age 16 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. Laser Beak Man has his own 8 episode animated TV 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 is enjoying working with Nicholas Paine and David Morton of Dead Puppet Society as they bring Laser Beak Man to the stage of The New Victory Theatre in New York City.

What is the story behind Laser Beak Man? What special power your superhero possesses? How do you relate yourself with Laser Beak Man?T: I am not Laser Beak Man, I am his creator. I made him up when I was 11 years old. I always liked super heroes and I wanted one of my very own to do the things I wanted. Laser Beak Man is not like other super heroes, there is a lot of humour and a different way to look at life, it's good fun. His secret power, but he doesn't use it very often, is that he has a Laser in his beak that makes bad turn to good.

Can you give us some details on theatre adaption of Laser Beak Man with The Dead Puppet Society? How is your experience working with Nicholas Paine and David Morton of Dead Puppet Society?T: I am going to New York from Australia tomorrow to work on the stage production of Laser Beak Man at the New Victory Theatare. The Jim Henson foundation of Muppets fame are supporting this development. The production will start next year with a season in Australia and another in the USA. I love working with Nick and David, they understand my humour and ideas and we do every part of this production together. There is also some really great music from a guy called Sam Cromack who is with Ball Park Music, everyone is around my age and it's not like working, it's more like hanging out with friends. The boys are very clever and it is going to look amazing. I have seen some photos of the puppets and they are very much like my art. My art and ideas are being used and will be exciting to see it on the stage.. It is very creative and a lot of fun.

Tell us about your experience at TEDxSydney 2014? What was your reaction when you received a standing ovation at the Sydney Opera House?T: It was the best day of my life, I loved it. When I stopped talking every single person in the Sydney Opera House, in the concert Hall 2,500 people stood up to give me a standing ovation and it went on for a very long time. Afterwards I saw them all at the after party and everyone treated me like a rock star. I had so much fun. I am very proud of that day.

Which of your drawing is your favorite and why?T: My favourite drawing is 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' because I believe that is how people should live and that is how I live, everyday is a happy day for me. I also love that movie and it has some of my favourite things in it. I loved creating that one.

How is art helping you to spread the message of ability and acceptance?T: I am the first person in the world with autism to have their art turned into an animated TV series that has been shown internationally. I have a Broadway production away. I have worked successfully in some collborations with some of the biggest companies in Australia. I have a best selling book about my story. I prove that inclusion works and that there is a different way to look at life. People like my art because it is original, not like others, it is different, it's about me. I have had to work very hard and overcome a lot of things to get this point. I have a good story I prove that dreams can come true..

How was your overall experience with media? Do you want to share any funny incident that has happened during an interview?T: The media is always very good to me, they like my story, because it has a strong positive message and it is a happy, successful story. We are always very grateful for them sharing my story. We work hard and get along with them too, that is very important as well as being grateful for the opportunity to share my story.

What are your other hobbies?T: I love video games, Pokemon, Nintendo DS, movies, books, swimming, going to the beach, I am very interested in a lot of things and I gather a lot of information and I love to travel!

How can art play an important role for our special children?T: Art is very important as a way to communicate, to express who you are, to be very individual, to share your thoughts, to have some success as there is no right or wrong, good or bad, it is only about what you like to do and share. Art is good just for relaxing or as something to do in your day. Even if you don't really feel confident to create yourself, looking at other peoples art and galleries can be a really wonderful experience and trying all kinds of art can be fun. In my life art has given more opportunities than I could have ever imagined, it has brought me friends and taken me around the world. I was born to do my art it makes me happy.

Any special message for our community?T: You can all have a dream and you can all make your dreams come true, I have, you can to. It doesn't have to be as big as mine, all I really try to do is find some happiness every day and look where it has lead me to. Be happy and keep on making art, you guys all rock from your friend Tim.

Enjoy Tim's favorite artwork - 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life'