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
A Lifelong Educator Mr Chris Herbst has spent 41 years in the classroom. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has taught countless learners over the decades. He joined Crawford International Sandton in 1999 and currently teaches Afrikaans to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. His role spans across five different year groups, a challenge he embraces. “I have my hands full as I navigate the excitement and challenges of teaching an additional language to five different grades,” he says. Why Teaching Still Matters For Mr Herbst, teaching is not a job. It is something he feels deeply connected to. “Teaching is my great passion and calling. The classroom is where I find my motivation and inspiration,” he shares. “When we have a really good lesson and I see our students leave having learned something new, or figured out a challenging concept, then I am motivated and inspired all over again.” These everyday moments keep him grounded in his purpose. They are the quiet victories that reaffirm his place in the classroom. Freedom to Teach with Meaning Mr Herbst values Crawford’s approach to learning, particularly the way it supports teacher agency and student-centred learning. “I love the fact that the focus is student-centred, and that as teachers we have the freedom and the responsibility to create a teaching and learning environment that works best for every learning need,” he says. He believes this flexibility allows for learning to become more meaningful. “If I identify that a particular topic or poem has piqued the interest of my class, I have the freedom to delve deeper and really explore the subject matter without being bound by rigid syllabus rules and time frames.” Connecting Language to the Real World Teaching Afrikaans in a school where it is often an additional language means finding ways to make it resonate. Mr Herbst understands that for many students, the subject may not come naturally. “For many students, learning another language may initially feel like a requirement rather than a passion,” he explains. To bridge that gap, he brings the language to life through content that students can relate to. “It’s important to integrate engaging, real-world content such as music, movies, and stories that align with the students’ interests.” These tools, he believes, help students see the language in context and build an emotional connection to it. A Teaching Legacy Over the course of his career, Mr Herbst has taught more than one generation in the same family. It is a milestone he reflects on with pride. “I have taught students who are now parents, and I am teaching their children today. It doesn’t get better than that.” But what stands out most for him is being remembered. “By far my biggest kick is when a past student recognises me and comes over to strike up a conversation and talk about their life and work after school.”
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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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