Conversations with the Inspiring Sandi Calistro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandi Calistro.

So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. My dad swears that after driving by a Chucky Cheese when I was about three- I drew something that resembled chucky cheese as soon as we got home… I earned extra money in high school. painting signs for local businesses and when I was 19 I started drawing tattoo flash. After selling it to a shop in Boulder, I was offered an apprenticeship, I’ve now been tattooing for 18 years and co-own Ritual Tattoo & Gallery in Sunnyside

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve always been grateful for what tattooing has provided for me, independence, close-knit community and creative self-expression. I never thought I’d be here when I started and it feels like home. I am also so proud of what tattooing has become. I started at a time when it was encouraged to be well versed in all types and styles of tattooing. You needed to be able to tattoo flash, traditional, Japanese, the whole kit and kaboodle. I had such a specific feminine style that I struggled with pretty much everything else, and that was brought to my attention multiple times. I did the best I could with different styles, but ultimately I ended up tattooing my own artwork on people. I think there is importance in acknowledging the art that has paved the way in tattooing, but I am so happy we’ve come to a place where all styles are embraced no matter how weird, unique or unconventional they are. I started drawing because I liked how unrestricted it felt, I’m a better creator when there are less guidelines. Our shop started out as all women and is still the majority of women with a few amazing and talented men. I think Denver is an awesome place to start out and thrive as an artist, especially as a female artist I feel encouraged and supported.

What should we know about Ritual Tattoo Gallery? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My art style started to develop in my late teens. I was drawn to anime and various types of illustrations. My pieces typically incorporate a female figure with elements of nature. I’m attempting to create a narrative that speaks to the viewer, something that sparks their imagination. I’m always so moved by different interpretations of my art. I’ve had people purchase my work and tell me how much it resonated with them, or helped them. Tattooing also has an element of healing that is so powerful. For so many of my clients, their tattoo is a step in the healing process or a token of change or transformation, that’s an incredible thing to be a part of. I started painting murals about 8 years ago, it’s so different than the other forms of art I practice but has made me a better Tattooer, I think I’ve been exposed to styles and tools in tattooing that are useful in painting and vice versa. I’d like to think I’ve encouraged other artists to branch out and recognize the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to create.

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Tattooing and making art is all I’ve known for almost 20 years now. I have always felt so nurtured and encouraged which has led me to do my part to inspire and support other women in the industry. We deserve to be here just as much as anyone else and we exist in a time where that is starting to be recognized and embraced. I’ve seen so many of my extremely talented, hard-working female peers criticized for being busy just because they are attractive. We have worked so hard to get where we are and often had to work harder to prove ourselves and be taken seriously because of our gender. Succeeding as women often invites extra scrutiny and judgment. I’ve witnessed jealous and competitive attitudes directed at women tattooers from all genders and I look forward to continuing to empower women through their artwork in an industry that has historically been dominated by men.

Contact Info:

• Address: Ritual Tattoo & Gallery 4241 Jason St Denver, Co 80004
• Website: ritualtattoogallery.com
• Phone: 720-280-9099
• Email: sandicalistroart@gmail.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/sandicalistro

Image Credit:
Sandi Calistro

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