Artist Bio, Lisa Parker of On The Rocks Designs

Artist Bio: Lisa Parker, dba, On The Rocks Designs

I am a native of New Castle, PA where I was lucky enough to have had a great high school art program (as well as teachers!) and had the opportunity to learn jewelry making for four years.  I attended the University of Pittsburgh and received a bachelor’s degree in Studio Arts & Fine Arts and continue jewelry casting at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.

Founded in January 2007, "On The Rocks Designs" focuses on creating one-of-a-kind, art jewelry. The name was inspired when I lamented changing my name after I got married. So when I heard the commercial for the liqueur "Disaronno" on the rocks, it sounded so similar to my maiden name, Lisa Wrona, I was inspired.  At that point my business, "On The Rocks," was born and pays tribute to the artistic heritage of my family's talents and namesake. Each unique piece is named after a classic cocktail.  I experiment with enameling, metal fabrication, and beading, but especially enjoy the fluidity and variety of techniques allowed by Lost Wax Casting to create unique designs which are not typical of metal, and making each piece as individual and one-of-a-kind as the person wearing it.

Artist Process

My primary method of creating one-of-a-kind art jewelry designs is through Lost Wax Casting.  During the design phase, the interplay of melting wax and the refinement of the model is a “stream of consciousness” process in which I let the wax lead me to a design.  While in this stream of consciousness, an organic flow of “mental” shapes and forms are extracted and then controlled through carving and melting the wax.  The shapes that appear are a result of an emotional state or mood —the wax serving as the outlet which sets them free.

Artist Green Mission Statement

On The Rocks Designs brings a decadent and unconventional style to accessories, with one-of-a-kind jewelry in cast sterling, enamel, fabrication and innovative beading.

As an artist, it was difficult to choose just one medium and stick with it, but I seem to have an addiction to silver, shiny & unique items!  Fortunately, making jewelry allows me to enjoy three of my favorite mediums:  Lost Wax Casting, photography, & graphic design.  I also love designing new displays as much as making jewelry.  As an eco-conscious designer, cast sterling items include 40% recycled sterling silver and all enamels used are lead-free.  I also enjoy the challenge of re-purposing scraps and using recycled materials, so the displays are often made of sustainable materials, leftover products from other projects, or discontinued store samples. 

On The Rocks Designs jewelry is available online at shop.ontherocksdesigns.com and the following Pittsburgh locations:  Boutique 208 (Downtown), WildCard (Lawrenceville), and KoolKat Designs (Mt. Lebanon).