Spinario, or “Boy with Thorn” (Self-Portrait)

I see the Spinario, or messenger, as having a similar role to that of the artist. He is on a mission to deliver a message, only stopping to pull a thorn out of his foot. He must move forward despite his small injury and fix himself, so that he can continue to deliver his message. I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and wonder to what extent that abuse had, and has, affected my psyche, self-esteem, etc. It reminds me to be aware of “the thorns in my foot” and the need to transcend/fix them, so that I can continue on my way delivering messages.