Arthouse Galleries

Spry’s First Point Aries At first, the glow of this fire is warm and welcoming, but a closer look reveals the bold outline of a ram. This is the fire sign of Aries, the first in the zodiac. The jewel-like sparks momentarily create the small and ancient constellation of Aries – the bringer of the vernal equinox and the herald of spring. The figure’s self-confident and determined expression radiates power and vitality. People born in the astrological first house of Aries will recognise the positive and extrovert energy emanating from this painting. Aries is ruled by the planet Mars, the Roman god of war., the imagery of which is delivered with the powerful use of the rusty red colour of the planet. There are barely contained tensions within this painting. The counterpoint of the Aries colours of red and white accentuates the conflict between the relaxed figure and the animated blaze of the fire. The two rams within the flames, one potent, the other a skull, represent life and death. The poppy, used for remembering the dead, was also offered to the Roman dead , was also offered to the Roman dead to signify the promise of resurrection. This is a painting to reaffirm life. The figure is the embodiment of the Aries key phrase ‘I am’. The spontaneous sparks from the fire and the seductive pose of the figure have an energy that is raw and attractive. The Aries metal of iron seen her in the fireplace is the very essence of industry. The flamboyant red poppy, the Aries flower contrasts magnificently with the fire ice of the diamond necklace. This birthstone is represented in its extreme states both as a refined jewel, exquisitely cut, and as black carbon fuelling the fire.