The Accidental Collector: Art, Fossils, and Friendships Book

This book offers a deeply observant and thoughtful friends-eye view of artists around Seattle in the mid-twentieth century. Although the accounts are very personal, unusually so-they were composed with a scientist's temperament and methodology. The book was based on decades of experience, note-taking, and reflection.

The phrase "cross-referencing" seems important to mention. Wes Wehr checked his notes with the individuals he was quoting, and he asked mutual acquaintances for additional perspective. I was among those he consulted, and I was deeply impressed with how thorough and careful he was in "trying to get it right."

I have read and re-read the book in the years since Wes' death. It lends itself to picking up and jumping in randomly-anecdotal, pithy and full of surprises. I love the way he weaves the northwest landscape into the stories.

Reading it cover to cover has worked for friends, but I found that slow going. I continue being appreciative for the insights his careful work affords about artists whose legacy is a gift to the rest of us.