About Wax Works West

Judy Stabile, Wendy Aikin and Daniella Woolf teach encaustic techniques at Wax Works West. Together they provide instruction and studio space for artists who want to explore the many possibilities of the use of encaustics in their work. The inspiring facilities and diverse backgrounds of the instructors allow individuals to explore, express, and excel. Set in beautiful Corralitos California, Wax Works provides students with a foundation upon which artists can safely experiment, while pushing the boundaries of their artwork.

Wax Works West Teachers

Wendy Aikin

After raising three children, retirement from the financial community, and ten years with a non-profit, Wendy started making art; collage, assemblage and painting. Several years ago she discovered encaustic painting. It was an immediate love affair with this translucent medium and its possibilities. Wendy, along with her sister Judy Stabile and friend, Daniella Woolf share Waxworks Studios, a school for the encaustic arts where they now teach encaustic painting. Wendy trained at West Valley College, U. C. Santa Cruz, and R & F Paint in New York. She is an active member of the International Encaustic Artists, Pajaro Valley Arts Council, The Museum of Art & History, and Art League Santa Cruz. She has received several awards for her encaustic work.

Website: www.wendyaikin.com


Judy Stabile

Judy Stabile holds a BA in Fine Arts from San Jose State University. She has studied sculpture at ArtSchool Santa Cruz in California; the Marble and Art Institute in Pietrasanta Italy; the Nicoli Studio in Carrara Italy; and at the Vaugel Sculpture Studio in Maulevrier, France. She has studied glass at the Corning Museum of Glass in New York and at the Bullseye Glass Factory in Portland Oregon. Her love of media extended to encaustics when she studied at the R&F Paint Factory in Kingston New York. Exploring a variety themes and forms, she works in encaustics, glass, mixed media, stone, bronze, acrylic and printmaking. She is an active community volunteer serving on the Gallery Committee of the Pajaro Valley Arts Council. She has curated fifteen (and counting) exhibits for them including the annual "Sculpture Is" at Sierra Azul Nursery and Gardens in Watsonville. She currently serves on the Arts Commission of Santa Cruz County, representing the 4th District.

Website: www.judyastabile.com


Daniella Woolf

Daniella Woolf holds an M.A. in Design (Textile Structures) from UCLA. She is a 2007 recipient of the Gail Rich Award for excellence in the arts, and a 2008-09 Recipient of the Rydell Visual Arts Fellowship. Over her career she has worked in a variety of media, including jewelry and metalsmithing, fiber and textiles, collage and installation. She teaches workshops on the west coast for R and F Paints, and independently around the US. Her current work is about identity, privacy, and memory. She is an active member of the International Encaustic Artists, the Surface Design Association, and The International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists. She writes a BLOG entitled Encausticopolis about all things wax, under the name Dotty Stripes.

Website: www.daniellawoolf.com