Anna Noel's work is inspired by the mystery and dream world quality of myths and legends and the role animals play in them, and she is interested in the way animals are used to symbolise human qualities and emotions. She is also influenced by early Tang sculptures and tomb figures from China and much of pre-Colombian art. She is intrigued by the moment of contact with a creature, the point of interaction when the animal looks you in the eye, and endeavours to capture this moment in her work.