Patina Gallery proudly unveils the stunning collection of jewelry artists Carrie Armstrong & Ali Lee.

October 4, 2024 – October 31, 2024

Denshou (伝承)

Tradition passed down unchanged through generations.

Dentou (伝統)

Tradition that evolves, with each new disciple adding their touch.

Armstrong & Lee celebrate a handmade legacy & tradition, blending the past and the present.

Each piece embodies the fusion of heritage and modernity, crafted to be cherished throughout life’s journey and to endure for future generations. The artists’ juxtaposition of creativity and skill with clear affinity for bold gemstones, minerals, and fine metals makes this a timeless collection.

“In a fickle world filled with fleeting trends, we honor our legacy by creating enduring testaments to nature’s beauty and preserving a tradition of craftsmanship. Each handmade piece carries the imprint of the maker’s intent, skill, and soul, with subtle imperfections that add character and authenticity.”
Carrie Armstrong & Ali Lee

Carrie Armstrong graduated from Southern Oregon University with an emphasis in printmaking. Etching, engraving and an understanding of metal properties became additional tools lending to art explorations in metal work. After meeting master goldsmith Karl Lee, father of her now husband Ali Lee, Armstrong began studying under the renowned goldsmith. Lee knew it was a natural progression for Armstrong to be introduced to a jewelry bench and, eventually, to become a part of his creative family of jewelers.

After Karl’s passing, Carrie built on his legacy, creating works with a wide breadth of technique and simplistic design with an emphasis on stunning and unique high-quality natural gemstones. Today, together with her husband, Ali Lee, Carrie works in the Pacific Northwest on the family jewelers’ bench of Karl Lee, combining over 50 years of original studio jewelry.

“This work reminds us of the importance of patience, dedication, and the tactile connection to our world. Preserving these traditions isn’t just about maintaining a skill; it’s about keeping alive a vital connection to what makes us human.”
Carrie Armstrong & Ali Lee

Handmade, Hand-forged,
Hand-fabricated.

Across the collection, the artists bring their own unique talent and artistry to each piece. Using traditional old-world methods in hand fabrication such as fusion, keum-boo, gypsy setting, hand-rubbed bezel setting, reticulation and granulation, each piece is individually created in their studio and approached with instinctive vision.

Inspired by form and texture, the combine exceptional skill with craftsmanship to compose work that’s truly meaningful and continuously stirs the soul. All metals are alloyed and milled in their studio using reclaimed silver and gold, marrying them with delicious gemstones. Each piece is meant to be easily wearable and formed to the body without sacrificing elegance.

For over 50 years, Big Sur Goldsmiths has crafted exquisite jewelry, a tradition that continues to thrive even after Karl’s passing.

While each jeweler brings their own unique style, the studio’s work shares a cohesive vision rooted in the family’s artistic legacy.

Throughout our 25-year story of extraordinary jewels, groundbreaking ingenuity surfaces in the evolving friendship and collaboration from years gone by and in those to come.

For more information on the work, please email: allison@patina-gallery.com

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MAIN IMAGE & LOWER IMAGES: MODEL: JOCELYN MOTOYA.