Eye of the Needle: A Conversation with Sandi Calistro

by Paul M. French

Maybe it’s your first time seeing Sandi Calistro’s art. But, more likely, you’re recognizing a style that’s become a fixture of Denver’s art scene. From murals to paintings to the skin of countless Mile High wanderers, Calistro’s art has become local iconography for the city she loves. We got the chance to stop by her tattoo shop recently, where she gave us some hot green tea, and insight into how a tattoo artist can move into the fine art world. 

Denverse Magazine: When did you start gravitating toward tattooing? 

Sandi Calistro: My parents were both kind of bikers, and they had tattoos. I actually went with my mom to get her very first tattoo. Just being exposed to the tattoo shop and the sense of freedom there, it was very clear to me—the artists lived and did things the way they wanted to. It wasn't what I'd imagined like a graphic designer to be or something like that. I was like, Oh, this is what I want to do.