I don't have any great insights into the origins of this piece.  I just like it.  :)  I was gonna make four tiny art paintings.  I often do those on one sheet of paper and then cut them apart.  But these four evolved into one painting.  I put the words on there because each one seems to have a lesson.

My take on their lessons are: 

Bat - Paint with style!

Cat - Step back from the painting now and then to get some perspective.

Rat - Even small details matter.  Look closely.

Raven - Use whatever tools you can find.