A lost soul returns to Chicago

"It feels like coming home. ... almost as if I never left Chicago. ..." 

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  Gustav Skogens relaxes in the sun at North Park University.

• Chicago brought Gustav Skogens over the Atlantic Ocean five years ago. As a young and frightened teenager away from home for the first time, Skogens almost returned to Sweden, but today he doesn’t regret his decision at the time to stay.

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  Gustav Skogens is back in Chicago for three weeks.

• After three years and a degree in Communications/Media Studies from North Park University, Skogens at last went back to Sweden. However, after two years away, he is back in town.
  “It feels like coming home,” said Skogens. “It feels like I never left Chicago.”

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  Chicago's beautiful skyline as seen from North Avenue Beach.

• The 6’6” Swede is quiet for a moment and takes a sip of coffee. He holds a confident posture while glancing at campus.
  “It was the best time of my life,” he said. “It’s an amazing city and very different compared to the city I’m from. There is a bit more to do here,” he added, laughing.

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  Gustav Skogens' Chicago skyline tattoo in focus.

• The time in Chicago has made its mark on Skogens. It transformed an anxious teenager to a confident man.
  “I found myself in Chicago,” he said. “I’m not afraid to fail or explore new things anymore. I have already done the scariest thing I can do.”

• Ever since Skogens left Chicago, he has been carrying around the Chicago skyline on his shoulder.
  “It is easily the best looking skyline in the U.S.,” said Skogens. “Normally, my mom complains about my tattoos but this is the only one she said she liked,” he said, pulling up his shirt.

• Skogens came to Chicago to become a journalist, and since returning to Sweden he has been writing for various newspapers. He has also produced several independent video documentaries.
  “I like telling stories in whatever form it is,” said Skogens.

• In April, he is going on a road tour through California with Swedish indie band La Fleur Fatale. The plan is to make a video documentary about the band and their journey across California.
  “I have three weeks here in Chicago, and then back to Sweden for two weeks before I take off with the band to shoot the documentary in California,” said Skogens.

• For more information on the Swedish band, see http://www.lafleurfatale.com/ Skogens went to North Park University, Chicago, where "no one can escape the Swedes.."

• Erik Kinnhammar