First post…

The mural of Robin Williams along Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago is about 100′ wide and 40′ tall, and has become a detour destination for me as I walk in Bucktown and Logan Square. On most days that I visit, a steady stream of visitors step off the street, take selfies, back up and take more pictures, and point at intricacies of the image. The immense scale of the mural is somewhat uncommon, and a 4 story tall human image can be intimidating. Or irritating if a selfie can’t be snapped in 2 seconds. Additionally, some people may have strong feelings because of the subject’s career arc, achievements, fame, artistic expression and/or death. I have heard some laughter and seen several impersonations. Many people have an emotional connection to Robin’s work from his 4 decades of prolific output. I have a resistance to Mork and Mindy but an emotional connection to the “your move, chief” scene from Good Will Hunting in 1998 based on lived experience as both Sean Maguire (Robin) and Will (Matt Damon).

I think about Robin at least weekly, because various commentaries on Robin’s life are in my Spotify playlist of reflections on fulfillment vs. happiness. I do not process this as a sad tale but instead as inspiration to pursue achievement in several domains of life as Robin did and a cautious reminder that external accolades will not deliver personal fulfillment. Success by what measure?

So, what is Robin looking at? What does he see that I cannot? Can he see my shadows? Why do his eyes give rise to fear? And what does the scale amplify? These are some questions that I might answer in the upcoming career break. Your move, chief.