No one tells a story quite like Robin Kranitzky and Kim Overstreet. Each narrative is skillfully presented with just enough visual information to engage and pleasure the “reader”. Ultimately each work satisfies on its own merits but always leaves the observer wanting just one more story from this talented duo. K&O seem to have an inexhaustible number of literary delights swimming in their collective heads, ready to become the next jewel.

Having been seduced by their work some twenty years ago, I was ecstatic to hear of a planned survey exhibition. I would be able to revisit old stories and discover new ones, all in one place. The production of a catalogue would be the icing on the cake. Since a trip to Designmuseo in Helsinki, Finland was out of the question, I eagerly awaited news of a United States venue. To my disappointment, that has not materialized. The catalogue for Symbiotic Realms would have to suffice. I’d have to settle for a book.

Initially getting the catalogue was no small feat. It could be ordered only from the museum, in Euros, with a healthy dose of postage. It was a price I was willing to pay however. The book is arranged chronologically with close up photographs of varying quality. Some appear to have been subjected to software editing which tends to flatten the images; others are beautifully resolved. None truly disappoints. Each image is accompanied by a snippet of information; sometimes a summary of the story told; sometimes a description of why a particular piece had been made. I quite enjoyed this feature and felt that it added to my appreciation of the work.

To my surprise, however, there were very few, if any, old friends chosen to be in the exhibition. I have followed the work of Kranitzky and Overstreet with a zeal usually reserved for things other than narrative jewelry. I have seen much of their work, albeit many times in west coast venues. As happy as I am to be presented with “new” pieces, I long again to see some familiar work and “some that got away”. I miss the sense of balance that would have come with a more complete survey. So I am disappointed, not with what the monograph presents, but for what it doesn’t. It is an appetizer that begs for the entrée to complete the meal. Perhaps we will be fortunate enough to be treated to a Catalogue raissone someday. I surely hope so. Until then enjoy this installment. It will assuredly whet your appetite for more.

Now Symbiotic Realms may be ordered from Helen Drutt or Charon Kransen. And you can pay with dollars!