: Pim’s Celica :

The idea for this project originated while working on my Toyota Supra. After purchasing a small engraving tool, I became fascinated by the possibility of engraving my taillights. Although I had experience drawing and engraving other materials, the thought of permanently modifying my original JDM cherry taillights made me hesitant. These lights had been imported from Japan and were becoming rare, making any mistake potentially expensive.
Around the same period, I was working on ”Insides” which involved carving and engraving.
The opportunity arrived when a friend purchased a parts car for his project. Due not needing the taillights we saw an opportunity.
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• The process

The process began by sketching a symmetrical composition directly onto the taillights using a black marker. Inspired by floral motifs we developed a design consisting of flowers, stems, and thorns that followed the shape of the lights.
Once the design was finalized, the engraving process began using a rotary tool. Almost immediately it became clear that the material required a careful approach. The taillights were more than thirty years old, and the plastic had become increasingly brittle with age. Excessive speed, pressure, or heat could easily cause cracking, making patience one of the most important aspects of the process.
Another challenge was maintaining consistent depth throughout the engraving. Plastic reflects light differently depending on the angle and surface finish, making it difficult to judge the exact depth of each cut.
Particular attention was given to softening and rounding the edges of each engraved line, helping the final design appear integrated into the surface rather than simply scratched into it.
Although the engraving itself required several days of concentrated work, the sanding process ultimately became the most time-consuming. It took over a week for the sanding, using progressively finer grits. This removed imperfections, softened transitions, and restored clarity to the plastic. The final step involved applying a protective coating to seal and finish the surface.
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The completed taillights remain installed on my friend’s car to this day. Seeing a piece of artwork continue its life through everyday use is something I never thought to experience, and find it rewarding.