Tell us how your artwork addresses this year’s theme ’I can’:
The artwork addresses the parts of Lexie’s life that make her feel like she ‘belongs’
Tell us about the ideas or themes your artwork explores with the theme ‘I can’:
Her artwork explores the themes of home, family, friends and hobbies.
I am Lexie,
I am who I want to be.
We all want to belong, on that we can agree
To belong: that makes us free,
I’m Lexie, and I love frogs. The real me doesn’t carry a frog around in her bag, but I wish I could.
Welcome to the start of my journey of belonging.
Bendigo
I have lives in Bendigo for all my life. Bendigo is known for its rick gold mining history, as we played a crucial role in the 1850s gold rush, and for it’s majestic Easter parade. Which features the famous Chinese Imperial Dragons included Dai Gum long, the world’s largest parade dragon. The Bendigo Eater parade celebrated its hundredth anniversary this year (2026). Being at the parade every year helps me feel like I belong to Bendigo and its fantastic culture.
Friends
My BFFs (Best Friends Forever) always make me feel like I belong. They comfort me when I’m sad and make me laugh. They help me up and cheer me on. I hope that everyone gets the chance to have amazing friends like I’ve got.
Crochet
Most of the things in this sculpture are crochet. Crochet is a medium that uses wool, and a hook. I love crochet as it is very relaxing. My mum crochets also. It is becoming popular among many young people, as it is a way to be creative. As you can see, I used crochet to take you on a journey that shows where and how i belong. I store my wool in a basket like the one I have crocheted, and that said wool comes from sheep’s backs. I wouldn’t be able to give you this stunning artwork without sheep and their wool. (Also, sheep are really cute! Have you seen their little faces!)
Deaf Culture
I’m hard of hearing
I hadn’t met anyone that is deaf or hard of hearing until I went along to one of the DCA family fun days. I belong to this community, and many others do too. I realty enjoy learning Auslan. My three-year-old sister is also hard of hearing and now I can help her to learn to take care of her hearing aids. A butterfly is the symbol of the Deafness Foundation, chosen because butterflies are hard of hearing too.
School
This year I started high school: it is wonderful school to belong to. There are lots of programs and clubs to help everyone belong, on top of that our school values are ‘kind safe learners’ Which makes everyone strive to be just that ‘kind safe learner’
Cheerleading
Cheerleading is a team sport. One the I have been doing for over 10 years. Cheerleaders are normally found wearing bows atop their heads during the competition. I belong to a team called ‘Obsession’ and we are part of a club called ‘Cheer ‘n’ Dance Athletes’
Music
Belonging in the music community at the school is kind of unique for a hard of hearing person. But everyone is super welcoming and my teachers are so talented. I am in the band and I play Bass guitar.
Family
I belong with my family: we always have fun together. Harper, my three-year-old is always hilarious and super cute! Family helps everyone belong.
That’s my story so far. I am Lexie, I am who I want to be, and I belong
What type of art have you submitted and why:
Sculpture – using the technique of crochet. Lexie has not stopped crocheting since she started learning about 18 months ago. She finds it gives her amazing outlet to be creative. She finds every project she learns something new and exciting. The material is yarn from the Bendigo Woolen Mills – Lexie’s favourite shop.
