Paulosie Sivuak began his artistic career as a carver, turning to printmaking with the establishment of the Puvirnituq cooperative in the early 1960s. He was instrumental in shaping the new organization and served as its first manager in 1962. His work is distinguished by fluid portrayals of wildlife, with owls becoming a defining presence throughout his career. In 1987, the annual Povungnituk Print Collection honoured his contributions with a special memorial section, in which the present print was included.

Balanced and direct, the composition of An Owl Carefully Searching for What It Wants centres on an owl perched on a rounded mound of earth, set against a flat expanse of blue sky. Its body is articulated with rhythmic, overlapping feather marks, and the head turns slightly to the side. The wide yellow eyes draw the viewer outward, echoing the title’s sense of searching.

Colour is restrained yet striking. Shades of grey shape the plumage, offset by stark white passages on the wings, chest, and face. Yellow eyes and a green mound provide brightness, while the unmodulated blue background creates clarity and focus around the figure.

The combination of stencil and serigraph heightens the print’s appeal. The stencil allows for soft, even fields of colour, while the serigraph ensures crisp outlines and precise feather patterning. Together, they produce a surface that is both delicate and exacting. This technical harmony underscores the composition, presenting an owl whose steady posture and attentive gaze embody the act of careful searching.