The rare surf curse piano is a mysterious and intriguing object that has captured the fascination of many people. It is a unique piano that is said to possess supernatural powers and has been known to bring both fortune and misfortune to those who encounter it. The piano gets its name from the belief that it is cursed and can only be played by skilled surfers who have a deep connection with the ocean. Some even claim that playing the piano can summon waves and control the forces of nature. The origins of the rare surf curse piano are shrouded in mystery, and there are various theories about its creation. Some believe that it was crafted by a talented musician who was stranded on a deserted island and used his knowledge and skills to create a piano out of materials he found.
Some believe that it was crafted by a talented musician who was stranded on a deserted island and used his knowledge and skills to create a piano out of materials he found. Others claim that the piano has been passed down through generations of surfers and holds ancient knowledge and wisdom. Those who have encountered the rare surf curse piano describe it as a beautiful and haunting instrument.
Unison Colour HQ – Where Handmade Pastels Come To Life
As an Associate Artist and a devoted fan of Unison Colour with my own 36-set of pastels, my recent travels to the UK had to include a visit to the Unison Colour headquarters tucked away in the heart of Northumberland. And it was nothing short of magical! The commitment to handcrafting each pastel with consistency and unwavering passion left me in awe. I now have a much deeper understanding of what “handmade” means!
Join me on my journey to Unison Colour HQ where we see the step-by-step process of creating these artistic gems.
My Journey to Unison Colour HQ Begins
My adventure started with a train ride from Newcastle upon Tyne to Hexham, where I was warmly welcomed by Nessie. We then embarked on a beautiful half-hour drive through scenic country roads, heading towards the home of Unison Colour pastels.
Unison Colour’s headquarters is nestled in a serene countryside location and is comprised of Kate Hersey’s charming house, outbuildings with the various stations of creation, and even a picturesque church and churchyard.
Hexham to Unison ColourA Warm Welcome
Upon arrival, I was met by Liz Reekie, my contact with Unison Colour. (She’s actually the company’s UK Retail Account Manager.) Over coffee and biscuits in Kate Hersey’s home, we discussed the artistry behind the pastels, and pondered the legacy left by her husband John Hersey, the creator and founder of Unison Colour.
Before long, I found myself in the midst of a delightful tour of the premises, meetinga few of the Unison Colour team along the way.
Entry to Kate Hersey’s home In the kitchen of Kate Hersey’s home And off we go to the start of the pastel-making journeyThe Start of our Tour
The tour began in Jim’s room. Jim is the chief concocter of the pastel recipes but sadly, he was away at the time of my visit. Each recipe mix he puts together creates a batch of about 200 pastel sticks. Liz and I had a peek into a couple of containers of pigments – bright, saturated ones of course. “Right, you don’t do brown,” says Liz!
A room full of pigment!! Liz telling me what Jim gets up to in this room Swoon!!Now let’s take a look at the journey a single bowl of pigment mix takes. (These concoctions can have 5-35 different pigments in them!)
From Mixing to Rolling to Drying
Nessie skillfully mixed the bowl of pigment with water before efficiently spooning the mixture onto paper in blobs. To remove excess moisture, used paper is stacked beneath the clean sheets.
One bowl of a colour recipe Mixing with water Nessie spooning out the mixture into equal blobsNext, Sue took charge, skillfully mushing and then rolling the pastel blobs to form individual sticks. I had the chance to try my hand at it and soon discovered that it wasn’t as easy as it looked!
Once rolled, the sticks are cut with a handy dandy tool created from two palette knives!
Sue mushing the blobs!Sue giving Gail a lesson in rolling the pastel dough Who knew it was such a skill?! We all had a good giggle at my tries! Joy!
Cutting the pastel sticks to sizeThe pastel sticks are then moved to a drying rack and then placed in the drying room which strangely enough needs to be kept at a certain moisture level to make sure the pastel sticks dry evenly throughout. Each batch has its own note recording the colour, the date, who made them, and the size. This comes in handy as Hazel does her tests. (I’ll talk about this later.)
Ready to go to the drying room! In the drying room A record card goes with every batch One recipe of pastels per box – note card on topThe Art of Labeling
After the pastels are dried, the pastels are ready for their labels. Two women, dedicated to the task of labelling each pastel stick, meticulously and dexterously manage this process. Wow. And we all had a good laugh when we talked about the first things some artists do when they get their pastels – rip off the label!
These two women label every pastel! They also do all the individual stick packaging.Keeping Consistency
Meanwhile, Hazel, with her 27 years of experience at Unison Colour, ensures the quality of each pastel, testing a couple from each and every batch against the original colours.
Hazel in her domainChallenges and Perseverance
Unison Colour’s commitment to consistency sometimes brings challenges, especially when dealing with changing pigments. Hazel makes sure that there are no colour shifts between the pastels created using a new shipment of pigment and the originals. Even slight fluctuations require recipe adjustments, a time-consuming task that requires patience, perseverance, and dedication!
Testing pastels made from slightly different recipes Five different recipes trying to match the centre swatchA major headache for Hazel is when a pigment is no longer available. When this happens, an alternative pigment must be found. And then, the recipe for every pastel stick that includes the unavailable pigment must be recalculated with the alternate choice. It’s not uncommon for a single pigment to appear in as many as 35 colours! Not a job for the weak of heart (or for someone without the expertise Hazel has!).
The Origin of the name “Unison Colour”
I wondered out loud about the brand name. Liz explained that the name “Unison Colour” itself reflects the philosophy behind their pastels. John Hersey, the creator and founder, chose the name because the colours in each colour set (often 1-18) work “in unison” with one another. He was inspired by how light affects different colours, much like how the colours of an apple change when held up and turned in the light. His artistic vision was not limited to adding white for lightness or black for darkness; he incorporated diverse pigments to create unique hues.
The original mortar used for mixing up batches of pastel recipes! Some of John Hersey’s tools, notebooks, and pastels
A Rainbow of Possibilities
Unison Colour offers pastels in three different sizes, ensuring that artists have a range of choices to suit their needs. With a vast palette of 380 colours, we artists can explore and experiment to our heart’s content, finding harmonious combinations that resonate with our artistic visions.
One of John Hersey’s beautiful samplers – a piece of art on its own!My visit to Unison Colour’s home left me with a new respect and love for these pastels. I am deeply inspired by the team’s dedication to handcrafting truly exceptional pastels.
I now look at the pastels in my box with a different appreciation. Each stick has started as a recipe of pigments which are then mixed, divided into about 200 blobs that are then left to dry to a certain consistency. They are then hand rolled and put in the drying room before being labelled, by hand. Finally, they are boxed up and sent out into the world. Wow!! Each and every one! (The packing and shipping area is now in a separate building some 20 minutes away hence the branded van they now have to run between the two locations!)
The Unison Colour van!I loved meeting the people behind this incredible commitment and look forward to returning one day. I also am determined to help them get the word out about the fabulousness of Unison Colour pastels!
The rich history and artistic passion infused into each stick of pastel make them a treasure for artists worldwide. As Unison Colour continues to grow and expand, I know their commitment to creating pastels that work “in unison” will remain steadfast, enriching the art world and artists’ lives one colour at a time. Thank you John Hersey and the team at Unison Colour!!
Until next time,
PS. If you want to see me actually rolling the pastel dough and you’re on Instagram, check it out here!
PPS. I couldn’t resist these photos of the floor!!
Sue giving Gail a lesson in rolling the pastel dough Who knew it was such a skill?! We all had a good giggle at my tries! Joy!
It is said to have a unique sound that resonates with the power of the ocean, creating a mesmerizing and hypnotic experience for those who listen. However, it is important to note that the piano is not easily accessible, and only a select few have had the opportunity to play it. The piano's curse is said to bring both blessings and curses to those who play it. It is believed that those who are skilled enough to play the piano will be rewarded with untold riches and success in their surfing endeavors. However, those who are not deserving or who do not show the proper respect for the piano can face grave consequences. Some stories speak of surfers who were consumed by waves or suffered other misfortunes after disrespecting the piano. The rare surf curse piano has become the subject of many legends and tales, with surfers and musicians alike seeking it out in hopes of unlocking its secrets. It remains a symbol of the deep connection between humans and the power of the ocean. Whether the piano is truly cursed or simply a work of art and craftsmanship, its allure and mystery continue to captivate and inspire those who seek it..
Reviews for "Unveiling the Legends of the Rare Surf Curse Piano"
1. Jennifer - 1/5 stars - I was highly disappointed with "Rare surf curse piano". The album lacked originality and creativity. The songs all sounded the same to me, with generic riffs and uninspired lyrics. It felt like the band was just going through the motions rather than truly putting their heart and soul into the music. I wouldn't recommend this album to anyone looking for something fresh and unique.
2. David - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Rare surf curse piano" as a fan of the band's previous work, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The album seemed to lack any standout tracks and left me feeling underwhelmed. The production quality was mediocre, and the overall sound felt repetitive and monotonous. I found myself getting bored halfway through and struggled to finish the album. It's a shame because I really wanted to enjoy it, but it just didn't click with me.
3. Amy - 2.5/5 stars - While "Rare surf curse piano" had some decent moments, overall, it failed to capture my interest. The songs lacked depth and seemed to blend together, making it hard to distinguish one track from another. The lyrics felt cliché and repetitive, and the band didn't bring anything new to the table in terms of their sound. It's not a terrible album, but it's forgettable and doesn't leave a lasting impression. I was hoping for more from this release.
4. Michael - 1/5 stars - I found "Rare surf curse piano" to be a complete waste of time. The album was filled with weak melodies, predictable chord progressions, and uninspiring vocals. It felt like a half-hearted attempt at making music, and I couldn't find any redeeming qualities in it. I would advise anyone considering listening to this album to save their time and explore other artists who offer more original and captivating music. Surf Curse piano is simply not worth your attention.
5. Rachel - 2/5 stars - "Rare surf curse piano" had its moments, but overall, it left me wanting more. The songs lacked the energy and excitement that I've come to expect from the band. The melodies felt stale, and the lyrics were forgettable. It's not a terrible album, but it fails to leave a lasting impression. I hope that Surf Curse can find their footing again and come back with music that truly resonates with their fans.