Staffan Westerberg, a Swedish artist known for his unconventional and associative working methods, gained widespread recognition – and a degree of public bewilderment – with his iconic “pancake” project involving the Swedish population. A remembrance by Leif Zern in *Dagens Nyheter* reveals a more complex personality beneath Westerberg’s seemingly affable exterior. Zern’s recollections portray Westerberg as an independent and sometimes difficult artist. The article explores the breadth of Westerberg’s artistic talent and challenges the notion of a simple, easily categorized legacy. It suggests Westerberg’s creativity extended far beyond his most famous work. Zern’s piece aims to offer a nuanced portrait of a significant figure in Swedish art, moving beyond public perception to reveal the artist’s true character.