Project: Dual Form II, 2020
Words & Photography: Lisa Dengler

I bought this relatively small stone on a whim at the art store and started carving the Dual Form II sculpture. I pushed the stone’s limit too far—it broke, despite being heavy and seemingly strong. Sometimes that is just part of the process, so you readjust.

In this case, each piece wasn’t heavy enough to continue carving with a hammer and chisel, but rather with a rasp, which takes such a long time, so I gave up.

It sat on my shelf for months, making my heart sink, until one day, I observed them afresh and got encouraged to try again. Without it breaking and me trying again, it would’ve never become what it is now—my favourite sculpture.

Don’t let your ego hold you back. Once I freed myself of my emotional attachment, I was able to admire how it’s composed of two separate forms that can be moved and arranged in dynamic ways.

If you don’t succeed at first, try; try again.

Lisa Dengler is an artist living and working in Brooklyn, NYC.

One Lesson Learned is a feature in which inspiring creatives share their recent project and an actionable lesson they’ve discovered while creating it.