Deborah Redwood is facing a long and difficult recovery after a devastating accident in the USA when she was hit by a pick-up truck while riding a bicycle. Photo: Paul Gowan.
Beloved Wollongong artist Deborah Redwood is in the fight of her life after a horrific bike accident in the United States left her with life-threatening injuries.
Now awake and beginning a slow, difficult recovery, the 2023 Sculpture in the Garden award winner is relying on the support of her creative community and a public fundraiser to bring her home and access vital long-term care.
On 10 June, while riding her bike back from a nature reserve during an artist residency near Detroit, Deborah was hit from behind by a large pick-up truck travelling at high speed.
Unconscious, she was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries – a serious brain injury, almost every rib broken, fractured vertebrae, a collapsed lung, and a broken clavicle.
She remained in a coma for 10 days, with the initial prognosis not good, and her friends fearing the worst.
Now, more than seven weeks later, Deborah is awake and in a rehabilitation hospital in the USA.
Her physical recovery has been remarkable, walking with help, but still needing ongoing care for her brain injury, meaning she’s unable to function on her own.
Her friends and supporters have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the long journey ahead, with artist and friend Greer Taylor helping coordinate the support.
Although travel insurance has covered emergency care, most of what she’ll need going forward isn’t covered.
“We came so close to losing her,” Greer said.
“Deborah is one of the kindest and most respected artists in our community.
“We’re doing everything we can to make sure she gets home, gets the help she needs, and knows how much she’s loved.”
Deborah is best known for her powerful, large-scale metal sculptures that explore the natural world and our impact on it, having been exhibited around Australia and overseas.
In 2023, she won the top prize at Sculpture in the Garden, one of Australia’s most prestigious outdoor sculpture events, with her piece Banksia, located at the Turpentine Lawn at Wollongong Botanic Garden.
Banksias are one of Deborah’s favourite wildflowers and, to create the sculpture, she used nails and some handy welding skills.
2023 Sculpture in the Garden winner, Deborah Redwood’s Banksia. Photo: Jen White.
Her works have been exhibited at Perth’s Sculpture by the Sea, and are held in collections nationwide.
Deborah is also a founding member of the Illawarra Association for the Visual Arts (IAVA) and has mentored countless artists in the region.
“She’s the kind of artist who lifts up everyone around her,” Taylor said.
“Now, it’s our turn to lift her.”
Still in the USA, without close family nearby, friends are coordinating visits and care, but the costs are significant.
A GoFundMe aims to raise $50,000 AUD to help with living and care costs in the US, flights and accommodation for friends offering in-person support, and legal support and advocacy related to the crash.
It will also aid rehabilitation and in-home care once she returns to Australia, and home modifications and living expenses while she is unable to work.
Although Deborah is strong, recovery from brain injury is unpredictable and slow.
She’s not eligible for the NDIS and will likely need to rely on a public system that can’t meet all her needs.
“We’re asking for help because she can’t do this on her own,” Taylor said.
“Even a small donation will make a huge difference.”
Deborah had arrived in the USA on 13 May for an artist residency at Villa Barr Art Park near Detroit, Michigan.
“She was excited about the opportunity to work on her art in a quiet, inspiring place,” her GoFundMe page reads.
“Just a few days before the accident, Deborah was posting about her time there and the art she was creating, including sculptures inspired by the natural world.”
To follow Deborah’s recovery or donate, visit the GoFundMe page.
