Abstraction can happen in many different ways. There is no one view or formula to follow. It can happen with a structured view and at other times, it can be serendipitous as the result of experimentation. In between these two realms, there is a degree of "blindness" (chance) as well as a degree of control that enables us to understand and appreciate the expression of abstraction. If you do fall in between these two worlds, it is all right to let yourself follow the stream and enjoy the new discoveries waiting to be uncovered.