“I have discovered that there is another type of sea change. A sea change that happens to a town in spite of people relocating from the city. Almost the reverse phenomena. My family and I recently relocated to a town in New South Wales built largely on the back of a steel and copper industry. The move from the bourgeoisie inner city Richmond, Victoria has become a strange and wonderful experience.” – Keith Carey

The namesake of Keith Carey’s town is ‘Tom Thumb’. It was discovered in 1796 when the vessel of Bass and Flinders first landed. Two hundred years ago it was a large tidal lagoon and it was eventually transformed into a thriving township for workers and their families and was officially named Port Kembla.

Keith Carey is exploring the idea of links between the evolution of the town and the fairytale Tom Thumb. Carey feels the name of Tom Thumb is most appropriate and probably still is as the town has a surreal atmosphere.

At times, the town appears to be lifeless with only the sound of the wind howling off the ocean or the dull hum of a truck in the distance to remind you that you are not alone or dreaming. Most shops and things appear to be closed or broken. The magnificent coastline is mostly uninhabited even in the holiday season. It is so unique with beauty, and dangerous with its loss, that it is reminiscent of the thumb sized Tom trying to discover its identity.

The story of Tom Thumb is familiar to most. Merlin granted Tom’s parents the gift of a child. Named Tom, he grew no bigger than his fathers thumb. As Tom got older he got into tight spots trying to work out where he fit in the world. On one occasion he is mistaken for a thistle and is eaten by a cow. His mother, hearing his calls for help asks him where he is. “Here mother”, he replies, “in the red cow’s mouth”.

Carey sees the significance of the copper smelter and its effect on the Port Kembla much like Merlin’s double-edged gift. Many more connections have been drawn on and exemplified by the title of the images and the strangeness the photograph, be it big or small, ugly or beautiful.

With the camera Carey explores a strange and innocent modern day Australian tale that up until now has been limited to a small local audience. The photos individually achieve this and by chance a pattern emerges through their nothingness. If you believe in the parallel between the 1621 English fairytale written by Richard Johnson and the one captured in Carey’s series you will ask yourself the same questions. What is the fate of this town? Tom was presented to the King who quickly became charmed by his size. Attention was lavished on Tom and he rose to great honour. The Queen, jealous by the attention Tom received, accused him of being saucy to her. He hid from King Arthur and Tom almost came to grief during his search. Eventually the King receives Tom again into favour but he does not live long to enjoy it. Tom is attacked by a large spider and is overcome by its poisonous breath.

Will it return to favour only to die a poisoned death?
Or is a different ending meant for the town once known as Tom Thumb?