Oil painting on canvas,
64cm x 94cm (h x w).
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Owls can be found in many nursery rhymes and childhood stories. He is wise and he is male. In this painting, however the owl is female and they are both wise.
 
The owl, as depicted with a girl, seeks to challenge the stereotypical personality traits we attribute to each sex. The owl is commonly associated with wisdom and is usually cast as male in children's nursery rhymes and fairy tales. This painting's subject is inspired by two nursery rhymes; The Wise Old Owl and the Owl and the Pussy Cat. In both cases the language tells us that the owl is male and attributes certain characteristics to him. For example, in A Wise Old Owl, the owl is observant and wise. In the Owl and the Pussy Cat, the owl is charming while the cat is beautiful and wants to get married. Being wise and worldly are traits attributed to males while females are portrayed as being more interested in their appearance and attracting a husband. Historically this may have been the case, since women had limited opportunities for higher education and financial independence. However, despite the advancement of women's rights, these stereotypes persist.
 
In this painting the wise owl and the girl lean into each other, sharing a connection and an intimate moment.