Form Follows Function?

I recently wrote about sculptural furniture, which is a fascinating blend of art and furniture. The gallery representation of independant furniture makers is one force that makes such furniture possible and keeps it alive. I've seen many pieces that were both striking works of art and functional furniture (Judith Kensley McKie's work, for example) and this can be among the best modern examples of the woodworking craft.

But what happens when the maker forgets the function of what they're making? We get strange fruit: a cabinet that takes up enough space to be a respectable sideboard, but only has a single 1' x 2' drawer and no surface on which you might set something; a table that looks more like a 1970's stair railing than a table; or a chair with a sinuous shape but no relation to the human form: a cement curbstone would probably be more comfortable. I'll admit that some of these items make me think "wow, how was that done?" but once I'm past the oddity, I realize nothing else recommends the design.