From an article published in 48Hills by Mary Corbin (2022):
Painter Wanda Westberg wants to make a difference by inspiring change, evoking an emotional response, and giving back to the universe.
“Painting is a way to have a conversation with that deeper consciousness one can experience when not thinking,” To be in touch with the original self—that place where we are all connected.”
With a vast collection of found objects, from her travels, walks, and unexpected places, Westberg finds other subject matter. Always on the lookout for things lost, worn, and discarded, her collection includes paper and metal that have been exposed to the elements; well-used and rusted objects; bark, branches, stones, feathers, and shells. And a treasured old dog ball that shows up in her paintings again and again.
Working in oils on primed, stretched canvas using large inexpensive brushes, paintings vary in size from 6×6 inches to 4×4 feet. For Westberg, painting is meditation in action. When problems come up, or something does not seem to be working, she sees that as an opportunity to go deeper into the painting. To see what is. That may mean wiping things down to discover the potential under a layer of paint or even starting over.
“Success depends on clearly seeing the situation and dealing with it skillfully without fear or doubt.”
One of her favorite recent finds was discovered in a pile of bulky trash in Oakland. Driving by, Westberg noticed a small statue of Buddha, his head sticking up out of the heap. Appearing to be a formerly painted terra cotta statue now absent of color, the figure had taken on a beautifully worn patina.