Artists often embrace chance and randomness as powerful tools in the creation of metal sculptures, transforming unpredictability into artistic innovation. One common method involves allowing natural forces, such as oxidation or weather, to alter the metal's surface over time. By exposing raw steel or copper to rain, wind, or chemical reactions, sculptors invite organic patterns and textures to emerge, making each piece uniquely unpredictable.

Another technique incorporates accidental marks during the welding or forging process. Instead of meticulously planning every detail, artists may deliberately leave gaps for improvisation—welding seams might fracture unexpectedly, or hammer strikes could create unplanned distortions. These "happy accidents" become integral to the sculpture's character, blending human intention with serendipity.

Some creators even employ randomized systems, like dropping molten metal onto cold surfaces or using gravity to shape suspended materials. The resulting forms—twisted, splattered, or asymmetrical—challenge traditional notions of control in sculpture. Pioneers like John Chamberlain famously crumpled automotive metal freely, while contemporary artists experiment with algorithmic designs or AI-generated templates to guide their random interventions.

Ultimately, chance in metal sculpture celebrates imperfection, echoing the philosophy of wabi-sabi. By surrendering to randomness, artists infuse their work with vitality and surprise, proving that beauty often lies beyond rigid planning.