KEDO EXHIBITION with Carsten Estermann at the Hamburger MotoSocial Motorcycle meeting on 27.8.2025 from 6 pm in the Oberhafen.
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.
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.
Has there ever been a part that you would have liked to throw against the wall?
As I originally come from a dental technology background, I don't work with traditional gravers, but use my so-called handpiece - the actual machine - and suitable drills from my previous profession. I have repurposed these and use them today for my engraved art. Although traditional gravers can also be used for fine work, I didn't want to leave my ten years of professional experience unused and have been working with rotary drills right from the start. This has the pleasant side effect that this technique is in some ways a unique selling point and also underlines my personal style.
For an order, I discuss the basic idea with the customer and produce initial sketches, which are developed further until we are both satisfied with the final design. As soon as I have the "go" from the customer, I start engraving - after careful preparation of the surface. I engrave each object freehand with the right speed and the right drill. My aim is for everyone to receive a unique handmade item - a one-of-a-kind piece that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
A completely engraved chopper tank can take up to 80 hours of work. The quality of the end result is always my priority - not the time required.
If desired, the finished engraved object can then be burnished or sealed. Alternatively, it can be left untreated to develop a patina over time, which emphasizes my filigree work even more.
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.
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.
Photos from Michael Rauscher @glatzzo
