Wood carving is often seen as a meticulous and controlled art form, but many carvers intentionally incorporate elements of chance and spontaneity to infuse their work with unique character. One way this happens is through the natural variations in wood grain. Carvers may adapt their designs on the fly, allowing knots, cracks, or irregularities in the wood to guide their chisels, turning imperfections into artistic features.

Another technique is "blind carving," where artists begin without a rigid plan, letting the shape emerge organically as they work. This approach fosters creativity, as the carver responds to the material’s feedback in real time. Some even use randomized tools or methods, like dropping a tool to create unexpected marks or carving while blindfolded for brief periods to break free from overthinking.

Seasoned carvers also embrace "happy accidents"—unplanned cuts or splits that lead to new design directions. Rather than seeing these as mistakes, they view them as opportunities to innovate. By balancing skill with spontaneity, wood carvers create pieces that feel alive, each telling its own story through the interplay of intention and chance.