A furnace failure turned into a surprisingly good week

Our main glory hole at the studio in Asheville went down on Monday, which was a huge problem with a big order due. My partner Mark had the idea to try some smaller torch work and cold assembly with the boro we had prepped. We ended up making a series of 12 intricate pendants and small sculptures instead, which the client loved even more. Has anyone else had a major tool failure force a creative shift that actually worked out better?

3 comments

3 Comments

charles72010d ago

Wasn't there a story about a potter whose wheel motor died, so they started hand-building these really cool, chunky mugs? I remember reading that the forced slowdown and different technique gave the pieces a unique look that people went crazy for. It seems like being stuck without your main tool can sometimes cut out the easy option and push you into a better style.

hannah_west3910d ago

Wait, was that maybe the woodworker who's lathe broke? I swear I saw a video about a guy who had to switch to hand carving after his power tools died. He ended up with these amazing textured bowls that looked way more interesting than his old perfect ones. Sometimes the tech failing forces a more human touch, and that's what people actually connect with.

grant.olivia10d ago

Oh man, that reminds me of this baker I follow whose oven temp sensor went out. She had to guess the heat and her loaves came out all wonky with these crazy dark, blistered crusts. People started asking for the "mistake" bread because it had so much more flavor and character.