What happens when memory, demolition, and neon light collide?

In this episode of Tiny Worlds, Big Stories, Lara sits down with Australian artist Anna Carey, whose miniature architectural sculptures blur the line between reality and illusion.

Known for her meticulously constructed small-scale buildings — later photographed with cinematic lighting — Anna creates motel rooms, suburban houses, and glowing psychic storefronts that feel both nostalgic and slightly eerie. At first glance, they appear to be real spaces. Look again, and you realize you’ve been fooled.

In this conversation, Anna shares:

• Growing up in 1990s Australia and the imaginative play that shaped her
• Why she builds models instead of photographing real architecture
• The emotional pull of demolition and disappearing buildings
• The origins of her “Psychic Works” series during COVID lockdown in Los Angeles
• Why imperfection and deterioration make a model feel more believable
• The meditative stillness of working in miniature
• Returning to art after motherhood

This episode explores illusion, nostalgia, and the psychology of scale and how small, constructed worlds can hold deep emotional truth.

If you’ve ever felt drawn to abandoned buildings, neon signs glowing in the dark, or the quiet intimacy of looking into a tiny room, this conversation will stay with you.

Because sometimes the smallest spaces echo the loudest memories.

Art: https://annacarey.net

https://www.instagram.com/annacareyhere/

Merch: https://www.roomservice444.com/

Holiday home: https://www.rainbowbayretreat.com/rainbow-bay-retreat

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Lara's art:

https://www.instagram.com/lara_miniaturist

https://www.larablairartstudio.com/

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https://larablairartstudio.myflodesk.com/smallnews