(click painting to enlarge)
Owls are an old symbol of wisdom perhaps because their eyes point forwards like ours. The Greek goddess of wisdom Athena was often depicted holding one. In this case the owl is bringing new light and wisdom into a very barren landscape. A master is present to welcome her arrival. He is small indicating the enormity of his task ahead. He is also painted red to show that he is different to the landscape around him that is painted with a limited palate.