Stefanie Hudspeth
Stefanie Hudspeth’s work explores the complex interplay of self-worth, self-acceptance, and the balance between vulnerability and resilience. Central to her practice is the bull—a powerful, instinctive animal she embraces as both a symbol and her alter ego.
Inspired in part by the prehistoric bulls of Altamira Cave in Spain, her work draws from humanity’s earliest artistic expressions to process and convey intense emotional experiences. The bull’s strength becomes a lens through which she reflects on the ways power and sensitivity are perceived, especially across genders.
Her pieces carry an apotropaic energy—acting as shields against judgment and self-doubt—while reclaiming the bull’s image from the male gaze. This tension between outward force and inner resolve runs through her practice, offering a reflective space for examining emotional and societal struggles. Stefanie’s work invites us to rethink inherited narratives of strength and authenticity, reimagining an ancient symbol through a deeply personal, female perspective.
Short bio
Stefanie Hudspeth is an academic painter born in Canada, raised in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
She earned her BFA in Fine Arts Studio at Rochester Institute of Technology, NY, and completed her MFA in Painting under Duje Jurić at the University of Fine Arts in Zagreb. She is a member of the Croatian Association of Artists (HDLU).
She has taken part in two solo shows and numerous group exhibitions in Rochester, Los Angeles, Zagreb and Dubrovnik.
Her concepts are inspired by the aesthetic of the human and animal forms. The recurring shape of the bull provides a consistent source of inspiration, as its unapologetic force challenges her to explore and express deeper emotions in a freeing, honest manner.
Discover the art
Artist Year 2024
Medium acrylic on canvas
Size 120 cm (h) x 150 cm (w)
Framed No
€ 3.900,00
Artist Medium acrylic and mixed media on canvas
Size 80 cm (h) x 120 cm (w)
Framed No
€ 1.560,00
Artist Year 2023
Medium acrylic on canvas
Size 40 cm (h) x 30 cm (w)
Framed No
€ 540,00
Artist Medium acrylic and mixed media on canvas
Size 80 cm (h) x 120 cm (w)
Framed No
€ 1.560,00
Artist Year 2024
Medium acrylic on canvas
Size 120 cm (h) x 150 cm (w)
Framed No
€ 3.900,00
Stefanie Hudspeth is an academic painter, born in Canada. She was raised in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where she earned her high school diploma at the Art High School Luka Sorkočević.
She continued her academic education and earned her BFA in Fine Arts Studio at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY. After returning to Croatia, she completed her MFA in Painting under the guidance of artist Duje Jurić at the University of Fine Arts in Zagreb.
She has taken part in two solo shows and numerous group exhibitions in Rochester, Los Angeles, Zagreb and Dubrovnik.
Her concepts draw inspiration from the aesthetics of human and animal forms, using them as vessels to project her inner thoughts and feelings. Through topics of self-image and self-expression, she aims to portray the ever-changing passions of the human condition. The recurring shape of the bull provides a consistent source of inspiration in most of her works.
2024 – “Relentless Rumination”, Rixos Hotel, Dubrovnik, Croatia
2022 – “Pozornica” (transl. Stage) Gallery ARTUR, Dubrovnik, Croatia
2025 – 21st edition Venice International Art Fair – ITSLIQUID Group, Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello
2024 – International exhibition of miniatures “4. džepno izdanje”, exhibition space of the Public Library “Grad”, Dubrovnik
2023 – Group exhibition in honor of International Women’s Day, Norwegian Embassy, Zagreb
2023 – International exhibition of miniatures “3. džepno izdanje”, exhibition space of the Public Library “Grad”, Dubrovnik
2022 – Group exhibition celebrating the 30th anniversary of Luka Sorkočević School of Arts, Lazareti, Dubrovnik
2022 – International exhibition of miniatures “2. džepno izdanje”, exhibition space of the Public Library “Grad”, Dubrovnik
2022 – Group exhibition in collaboration with Dura titled “How to Look At the City”, Marin Držić Theatre, Dubrovnik
2022 – ALU Perspektiva, “Final Annual Exhibition of ALU Students”, Academy of Fine Arts, Zagreb
Commission a Custom Artwork
If you’re looking for art that’s uniquely yours, you can commission a piece directly from the local artists exhibiting in the DLightful Gallery.
We’ve made the commission process as straightforward as possible: just fill in the Form for commissioning an artwork where you will state your preferred artist and present your idea.
Starting price points, estimated completion times and any other information regarding the commission process are provided upfront to ensure transparency every step of the way.