Son of the Brush

Tim Olsen is the son of arguably Australia's greatest living artist, Dr John Olsen. Son of the Brush is his fascinating, candid memoir of what it was like to grow up in the shadow of artistic genius, with all its wonder, excitement and bitter disappointments.

Tim's childhood was dominated by his father's work, which took the family to Europe and to communities around Australia as John sought inspiration and artistic fellowship. Wine, food, conversation and the emerging sexual freedom of the 1960s wove a pattern of life for the family. It was both the best and worst of childhoods, filled with vibrancy and stimulation, yet fraught with anxiety and eventual sadness as John separated from Tim's mother Valerie and moved away from the family.

The course of Tim's life has been set by the experiences of his childhood, and by the passion for art he inherited from both his parents (his mother was an acclaimed painter in her own right). His life has always been about art, although he has followed a different path from his parents. Having overcome and recovered from addiction, Tim is today one of Australia's most respected gallery owners, with a knowledge of art and artists forged from what is literally a lifetime immersed in the art world.

Son of the Brush is a memoir about a son and his father, and what it takes to forge your own identity and chart your own course in life, but it is also about the wider world of art, artists and the joy, inspiration and sacrifices of the creative life.

Winner of People's Choice Award - Nib Literary Award 2021 (Australia) Short-listed for Nib Literary Prize 2021 (Australia)

'A vivid insight into the Australian art scene and a poignant and honest reflection on the highs and lows of an extraordinary family life. A joy to read from the first page to the last.' Noah Taylor

'Tim Olsen's memoir is absolutely riveting. His story is courageous, honest and moving. It includes an illuminating account of his recovery from addiction; a journey I am pleased to be sharing with him.' Professor Ross Fitzgerald AM, Columnist for The Australian and The Spectator Australia

'This book fills in the blanks on a rich and fascinating life - all while offering a glimpse into the inner workings of one of Australia's preeminent creative families. Congratulations, Tim - fantastic read.' Rose Byrne

'Few can understand both the divine generosity and the absolute selfishness of the artist's life. Tim writes with love, hilarity and ruefulness - from the vantage point of a child at the moment when Australian art bloomed - of his journey to find his own place in the world as a leading gallerist and as a mentor to those struggling to escape the illusion of life's shadows.' Rachel Griffiths

Tim Olsen is one of Australia's most recognised and respected art identities and successful gallery owners. Son of Australia's national living treasure, artist Dr John Olsen, A.O. O.B.E., Olsen was born into a life of modern and contemporary art.

He established his own Gallery in 1993, which has rapidly expanded to become one of Sydney's leading galleries today, marking his contribution and commitment to the Australian art scene. He not only has supported the careers of many of Australia's leading established artists but also has nurtured the creative lives of many emerging artists who can presently include themselves as being very much part of the art establishment today.

Tim has been a foundation member of the AGNSW for over 15 years and is dedicated to its restoration department and also a major donor and benefactor to the MCA. He has been a patron of the King's School Art Prize for over twenty-five years and since 2000, sponsored the annual Tim Olsen Drawing Prize at UNSW, School of art and design. He was on the foundation board of the University of New South Wales for over 15 years.

Tim Olsen is the son of arguably Australia's greatest living artist, Dr John Olsen. Son of the Brush is his fascinating, candid memoir of what it was like to grow up in the shadow of artistic genius, with all its wonder, excitement and bitter disappointments. Tim's childhood was dominated by his father's work, which took the family to Europe and to communities around Australia as John sought inspiration and artistic fellowship. Wine, food, conversation and the emerging sexual freedom of the 1960s wove a pattern of life for the family. It was both the best and worst of childhoods, filled with vibrancy and stimulation, yet fraught with anxiety and eventual sadness as John separated from Tim's mother Valerie and moved away from the family. The course of Tim's life has been set by the experiences of his childhood, and by the passion for art he inherited from both his parents (his mother was an acclaimed painter in her own right). His life has always been about art, although he has followed a different path from his parents. Having overcome and recovered from addiction, Tim is today one of Australia's most respected gallery owners, with a knowledge of art and artists forged from what is literally a lifetime immersed in the art world. Son of the Brush is a memoir about a son and his father, and what it takes to forge your own identity and chart your own course in life, but it is also about the wider world of art, artists and the joy, inspiration and sacrifices of the creative life.

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