Ep. 7 Jem Atwater . Painter

Ep. 7 Jem Atwater . Painter

In the seventh episode of The Gallery Hangover, gallerist Yessíca Torres sits down with painter Jem Atwater to discuss her evolving practice and deep connection to the Ventura art community. Based at Pacific and Main Creative Workspace, Jem reflects on the positive impact of having a dedicated studio environment, both for her own growth and for the collaborative energy it fosters among artists working within the space. Known for her oil paintings that blend traditional technique with a contemporary sensibility, Jem shares insight into her approach to capturing light, atmosphere, and movement, particularly through her coastal inspired landscapes. The conversation also highlights her ongoing collaboration with painter Gabriel Islas, including the painting classes they lead together and their shared commitment to mentorship and community building. Looking ahead, Jem discusses her upcoming exhibition at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, where she is creating a new body of large scale seascapes that expand both the physical and conceptual scope of her work. She also introduces a growing interest in animal portraiture, signaling an exciting shift and expansion within her practice. Through this post opening conversation, Jem offers a thoughtful perspective on balancing studio work, teaching, and community engagement, while continuing to develop a body of work rooted in observation, discipline, and place.

Ep.6 Last Place Art Club . Art Collective

In the sixth episode of The Gallery Hangover, gallerist Yessíca Torres hosts the first group conversation of the series with the founders of The Last Place Art Club, Devin O’Reilly Sullivan, Cheyanne Proctor, and Roger Martel. Recorded in Yessíca’s former studio, now home to the collective, the setting underscores a full circle moment as a new generation reshapes the space and the surrounding art scene. The discussion centers on how The Last Place Art Club is actively revitalizing Ventura’s creative landscape, bringing together a younger wave of artists with a respect for established practices and standards. As these worlds intersect, the result is a dynamic exchange that pushes both energy and intention forward, creating work that feels immediate, collaborative, and deeply engaged. Yessíca reflects on the group if young artists as a return to the spirit of early art collectives, drawing parallels to the raw, community driven movements that once defined major art cities. Together, they discuss how the collective formed, their shared vision, and the momentum building around their upcoming mural project. Through this conversation, the episode captures a turning point in a local art scene driven by collaboration, risk, and the belief that something meaningful happens when artists build together.

Ep. 5 Gabriel Islas . Plein Air Painter

In the fifth episode of The Gallery Hangover, gallerist Yessíca Torres sits down with painter Gabriel Islas to discuss his evolving practice and the launch of PALS, a newly formed plein air painting group that is quickly setting a new standard for a rising generation of landscape painters. Known for his atmospheric oil paintings, Gabriel draws from firsthand experience painting across some of the country’s most striking landscapes, including the Eastern Sierras, the Grand Tetons, and Denali in Alaska. The conversation centers on his commitment to plein air painting, the discipline behind working on site, and how scale, environment, and observation shape his work. Yessíca and Gabriel also discuss his role as an instructor, including his ongoing classes and collaboration with fellow studio artist Jem Atwater. Together, they reflect on the importance of mentorship, community, and creating spaces where painters can develop both technically and conceptually. Positioned at a pivotal moment in his career following major recognition, Gabriel shares insight into his recent work, the formation of PALS, and what lies ahead with their upcoming group exhibition. Through this post opening conversation, he offers a grounded perspective on dedication, growth, and the evolving landscape of contemporary plein air painting.

Ep. 3 Edgar Takoyaki . Photographer

In this episode of The Gallery Hangover, gallerist Yessíca Torres sits down with photographer Edgar Takoyaki following his latest exhibition at Dama Gallery Ventura; Before The Fall. Working exclusively in film, Edgar shares travel based photographs captured across Japan and Taiwan, using 35mm and 120 medium format to create images rooted in patience, precision, and lived experience. Edgar also speaks on his expanding success abroad and the renewed interest in film among collectors, exploring how the tangible and deliberate nature of analog photography is finding new value in today’s market. Looking ahead, he introduces new projects that reconnect him with an early collaborator, his homemade robot, signaling a return to experimentation within his work. Through this post opening conversation, Edgar offers insight into the discipline of film photography, the importance of representation, and the ongoing balance between documentation and creative exploration.

Ep. 2 Sara Koenig . Artist

In this episode of The Gallery Hangover, gallerist Yessíca Torres sits down with artist Sara Koenig following her exhibition at Dama Gallery Ventura; Before The Fall. Known for her collage based practice, Sara explores themes of identity, representation, and cultural influence through layered compositions that reflect both personal and collective narratives. The conversation centers on her artistic process and the women who appear throughout her work, examining how visibility, heritage, and storytelling intersect. Drawing from her Colombian roots, Sara discusses the influence of Latin culture in shaping her visual language, as well as how her career as a doctor informs her perspective, discipline, and approach to art making. Positioned as a pivotal moment in her career, Sara reflects on what she describes as a breakout year, sharing insight into her growth as an artist and what lies ahead. Through this post opening dialogue, she offers a thoughtful look at the balance between professional identity, creative expression, and the evolving trajectory of her work.