Ever since the release of the artist’s iconic print The Enchanted Owl in 1960, she has frequently depicted stylized owls or other birds in her work. Owl of the Sea is one of over one hundred owl prints designed by Ashevak, each with its’ own descriptive title. This print was part of a portfolio of six editioned prints jointly issued by the World Wildlife Fund and Canadian Eskimo Arts Council in 1977 as a special release.