Spirit of the Night By Louise McNaught

McNanught herself states: "Owls do not seem to be bound by the same laws of nature we are. With the very lightness of thought they defy gravity, just as at home in the air as on earth. Forming a link between heaven and earth, conscious and unconscious, night and day - the owl is universally seen as a symbol for the soul - so it seems somewhat fitting to put them on a gold to hint at their divinity, just as religious figures have been traditionally depicted. This Barn Owl has been painted in high detail to draw attention to its beauty, and how precious it is - like an icon of nature."