Alumnus: Deborah Weber
May 3, 2024
Change Artist
School: Crawford International Sandton
Year: 1997
Deborah Weber, an alumna of Crawford International Sandton, is an inspiration in the realm of contemporary art. Known for her collaborative art projects and installations, her creativity not only calls for social justice, but it also transcends boundaries, ignites conversations, and drives change.
- How did Crawford International influence your journey as an artist, and advocate for social justice?
My formative years at Crawford International Sandton were instrumental in shaping my perspective on the world. The school's commitment to fostering critical thinking and nurturing individuality and creativity provided me with a platform to explore complex issues. There were always engaging discussions, mentorship from inspiring teachers, and exposure to new ways of thinking. This all led to creative expression. - When did you decide that art would be your career choice?
Discovering my passion for art and drama at Crawford, I decided then to pursue a career in the arts. After school I enrolled at the University of Cape Town, where I completed my master’s in fine arts. - Your art often tackles pressing social issues. How do you approach the intersection of art and social justice in your work?
For me, art serves as a powerful medium to challenge systemic injustices, provoke meaningful dialogue and catalyse change. As a young artist I focussed on performance and video installation, and over the past decade I’ve been working in collaboration with groups of artists on projects that shed light on important issues, such as: social injustice, land restitution, gender-based violence, and environmental degradation. The works ask viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and to ask difficult questions. Our projects have been exhibited at Museums across the country and internationally! - What advice would you give your 17-year-old self?
If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self to trust in her own voice and not be afraid to fail. It's easy to feel uncertain about the future but true fulfilment comes from staying true to yourself and following your passions. I would encourage her to cultivate resilience and to try working in different mediums. She must experiment and play! - Can you tell us about your latest artistic project and series?
During the isolation imposed by Covid, I had to turn inward and focus on my own solo artistic practice. My current body of work emerged from that introspection, and I now have a more individual approach to connecting with viewers and their emotions. In this approach, the methods of automatism and automatic drawing became an important mechanism for me, and I have explored new mediums of painting and ceramics in this regard. - What messages do you hope to convey through this body of work?
I want to explore the emotional potential held by art which enables the viewer to access states of being in the unconscious mind. The “feeling individual” is never an island, but is always part of a larger community. My work aims to gives shape to emotional states, either in response to events in the wider social or political environment or from a deeply personal inner world. In this body of work the viewer becomes the interlocutor between the unconscious; a world of meaning and own emotion. The works are mostly playful, sometimes menacing, irreverent, vibrant or perplexing, but all ask the viewer to experience the power of their own emotional responses to the works. - Who are you, outside the fine lines of artistry?
I enjoy spending time with loved ones, that includes my amazing husband, son and family. We love to spend time in nature and travel and hiking are our favourite past times. I believe in living a life guided by compassion and curiosity, both in my work and in my everyday interactions. - What’s next for you as an artist?
I’ve recently had an exhibition of paintings and ceramics called ‘Field of Possibility” in Cape Town. Also, our collaborative project (on gender based violence) with the Keiskamma Art Project called Ubumbano/Unite was held at the Nelson Mandela Art Museum. As an artist, I'm constantly evolving and exploring new avenues for creative expression and activism. Moving forward, I will continue creating work that explores the emotional potentiality between the artist, the artwork and the viewer. I will also continue to evolve my painting and ceramic practice. - Last word of motivation for future generation of Crawfordians?
Embrace curiosity, diversity, and kindness. Challenge norms, lead with empathy, and don’t be afraid to fail - failure means you have tried something new and can teach us more about ourselves. Use your education to create positive change. Dream big, act boldly, and shape a future where compassion reigns. The world awaits your extraordinary gifts.
More information on the artist:
Website: www.deborahweberart.com
Instagram: @deborahweberart
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.
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A Guide To Parent Teacher Meetings The new academic term has just started a few weeks ago, and families with school-going children are settling into their routines. However, as students transition back to the classroom, another important aspect of the school calendar looms, parent teacher meetings. While these meetings are integral to nurturing strong collaboration between families and schools, they can also bring a mix of emotions, from curiosity to unease, for parents. In South Africa, where over 12 million students attend public and private schools (Department of Basic Education, 2023), the importance of such interactions cannot be overstated. These sessions offer invaluable insights into a child’s academic progress, social development, and overall well-being. What Are Parent Teacher Meetings? Parent teacher meetings are structured conversations between parents and their child’s teachers, aimed at discussing the student’s academic performance, behaviour, and overall development. These meetings create an opportunity for open communication, ensuring that both parties can collaborate effectively to support the student’s educational journey. They are not just a platform for addressing concerns but also for celebrating achievements and setting shared goals. What Do They Entail at Crawford? At Crawford International, parent teacher meetings are designed to be more than just routine check-ins. They reflect our commitment to fostering strong partnerships with families. During these sessions, parents meet with teachers to gain a holistic view of their student’s progress, not only academically but also socially and emotionally. Teachers share personalised feedback, highlight areas of growth, and discuss strategies to address challenges. These meetings are tailored to align with our ethos of developing well-rounded students, emphasising collaboration to ensure every child reaches their potential. How Often Are They? Parent teacher meetings at Crawford typically occur once per term, although additional sessions may be scheduled based on specific needs or requests. Regularity ensures that parents stay informed about their child’s journey throughout the academic year. These consistent touchpoints help to build trust and maintain a steady flow of communication between parents and teachers. How Best Should Parents Prepare for Them? Preparation is key to making the most of parent teacher meetings. Here are a few practical tips: Review Reports and Notes – before the meeting, review any recent academic reports, test results, or communication from the school. This provides a foundation for meaningful discussions. Prepare Questions – jot down specific questions or concerns you want to address. For example, ask about areas where your child excels or struggles and how you can support them at home. Engage with Your Child – have a conversation with your child about their experiences at school. Understanding their perspective can provide valuable context for the meeting. Be Open-Minded – approach the meeting with a collaborative mindset. Remember, the goal is to work together with the teachers to support your child’s growth. Take Notes – during the meeting, take notes on key points discussed, including recommendations from teachers. This ensures you can follow through on agreed actions. Parent teacher meetings are more than a requirement; they are an investment in a child’s future. By approaching these sessions with preparation and a collaborative spirit, parents can play an active role in shaping their child’s educational journey. As families across South Africa embrace this vital part of the school experience, let’s work together to make each interaction meaningful and impactful.
