Portrait: Carsten Estermann

KEDO EXHIBITION with Carsten Estermann at the Hamburger MotoSocial Motorcycle meeting on 27.8.2025 from 6 pm in the Oberhafen.

EXHIBITION with Carsten Estermann

KEDO EXHIBITION with Carsten Estermann at the Hamburger MotoSocial Motorcycle meeting on 27.8.2025 from 6 pm in the Oberhafen.

Carsten Estermann

Engraved Art / Engraving Art

Photo from @max.kruggel

Carsten, how did it all start for you - how did you come up with the idea of becoming an artist? Has it always been your thing - fine craftsmanship, classic techniques - or did you get into it by chance?

In the 90s, during my training as a dental technician, I got to know various new tools and materials and tried out a lot in my free time, for example creating jewelry. I had the feeling that I wasn't expressing my creativity enough. The desire to go public with my art was always there somehow. So I followed my heart and tried to find out what I could do with my skills.
One day I came up with the idea of engraving the frame of my Schwinn cruiser bike using the tools and skills of dental technology. I enjoyed it and it worked quite well. Unnoticed for years, the experiment finally inspired a friend who owned an old VW Beetle. He spontaneously gave me his vehicle with the request for an individual engraving. I was surprised, but did it a few days later. It was my very first work on a vehicle. After doing more engravings for several friends, I realized that this was a wonderful opportunity to combine the skills I had acquired during my training with my affinity for art.

When did you first get a motorcycle part under your tools of the trade?
My first commissioned engraving was in 2012.

What do you find particularly appealing about the old bikes - is it the material, the shapes, the stories? Is there a brand or year of manufacture that makes your heart beat faster?

I generally like old vintage things. Whether it's furniture, early, classic design or vintage cars. They simply have more soul, character and a fascination all of their own. I simply don't feel this passion for modern vehicles. What's more, my engravings form a more beautiful unit with objects that have already been lived with. When it comes to bikes, Harley Davidson and Triumph are my absolute favorites.

How does it work when someone comes to you with a tank or side cover - more with clear ideas or "just do it, Carsten"?
It happens both ways. I like it when clients have a rough basic idea, just as a starting point for my very own, individual design with the corresponding freedom. I find it rather unusual when clients don't even know what they want or don't want. I also regularly realize completely free work, usually without a specific customer order.
What are the most difficult parts of the bike to engrave - tank? The frame? Or the tiny details?
A tank is actually one of my favorite parts and is rather unproblematic. There are occasionally very small motif requests in too small a space, which can be difficult because they don't look good. With good advice, I always find a solution together with the customer. Otherwise, my motto is to do my best with every piece, no matter how challenging it may be.

Has there ever been a part that you would have liked to throw against the wall?

Clearly yes, but very rarely. It's usually due to the material. There are incredibly hard aluminum alloys that challenge me from time to time. However, I have always won against the material so far.
Where do you get your ideas from - from your head, from history or from the people you work for? What inspires you?

When I see the object and/or the bike, the first ideas usually come to me quickly. I want my work and the object to form a perfect unit and make it seem as if the engraving has always been there.

The biggest influence on me is definitely the tattoo scene, which I got to know in the 90s when I got my first tattoo. Skateboarding is also very important, and kustom culture, typography and other artists from a wide variety of fields are a great source of inspiration.

Which project do you particularly remember?

My very first glass engraving on a 1947 Chevy Fleetline, whose owner then opened a few doors to the scene for me, is definitely one of them. My first completely hand-engraved aluminum chopper tank for Independent Choppers from Düsseldorf is also one of them. In any case, there are other objects to which a lot of heart and soul is attached.

Do you regularly work with mechanics or customizers, or do you tend to ride solo?

In recent years I have been working more and more with well-known custom bike builders, but everyone is welcome. The guy next door can also have an exciting project for me.

Is there a bike or part that you really want to engrave - a dream project, so to speak?

A complete monocoque for a classic bike, preferably made of aluminum and something on an old Porsche from the 70s with patina. That would be something.

How do you see the scene at the moment - is interest in handicrafts and individuality growing again?

Within the scene that I'm largely part of, I don't think the interest in individuality has ever gone away. Everyone wants something different, don't they? Of course, not everyone has an understanding of the artistic aspect. But that's okay too.

Where do you see yourself and your art in five years' time?

With a spectacular project at the Mooneyes Hotrod Custom Show in Yokohama. With larger sculptural art objects in corresponding art galleries and more reference to automotive art and design.

Do you also use techniques other than engraving, for example brushes, oil paints or similar?

I also use linocut and linoprinting for self-printed prints and shirts. Next I would like to learn welding to create even more individual art objects for future exhibitions.

And last but not least: Where can we experience your art next?

As part of the MotoSocial x Kedo x Estermann exhibition in Hamburg in August.

Then there is an exhibition at the Arty Farty Gallery in Cologne.

In 2026 I will be at the Kustom Kulture Show in Helsinki. 

We were at the Scrambler Fever in Poland last weekend and it was really good again! 2 days of rattling through the woods with about 70 other enduro enthusiasts. Due to the extreme drought, many forest roads were a sandy hell. Everyone cursed about it, many crashed but everyone had a big grin on their face afterwards. More about this event soon....

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