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whet (noun).

a thing that stimulates appetite or desire.

Founded in late 2019, whet is a biannual publication that aims to uplift the artwork of women of color artists while bringing and building community around their art. whet provides a sacred space and literary and visual landscape for women who have been historically marginalized to delve deep into their own experiences to produce art that represents their unique perspectives as Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Women of Color. By selecting a theme for each issue and asking artists to examine where the topic intersects with their own art, lives, and values, whet is able to offer readers a diverse group of viewpoints with every issue that pull readers in and urges them to examine and explore their own ideas around the subject posed. In doing so, whet inspires meaningful dialogue around the issues affecting BIWOC communities and larger society—as well as lighter topics like food and local acts (whet’s first two issues were “the coral issue.” and “the local issue.”, followed by “the resistance issue.”, “the heritage issue.”, “the love issue.”, “the anthology. vol. 1.”, “the money issue.”, “the ritual issue.”, and the upcoming January 2025 edition, “the nature issue.”

There is no artistic medium that is off limits in whet. I’ve included Indigenous chefs (“the ritual issue.”), as well as rubber-stamp makers, nail technicians, and DJs (“the coral issue.” and “the local issue.”). Just as diverse as the artistic mediums are the women who contribute them; whet is conscious of and makes an effort to pursue diversity in age, cultural background, sexual orientation and expression, and socioeconomic status. This publication is a collective demonstration of the artistic strength of BIWOC artists that has been silenced, degraded, mocked, and questioned. whet serves as a platform for all of us to appreciate how deeply our past has dictated (and continues to dictate) our future, but it also serves as a celebration of our art and ourselves.

Although a small, local venture by nature, whet has published the work of over 80 artists stretching from the publication's origins in Oakland, California, to Canada, Russia, and Colombia. While whet was initially dubbed a "zine" due to being made independently, whet has always been a perfect-bound, glossy, and refined publication showcasing brilliant imagery and thoughtful text. But more than that, it has always been a space for artists to convene and express themselves while addressing the particular theme of each issue and readers to enjoy the fruits of the contributors’ labor. I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoy making it. 

Much love,

Gabrielle Rae Travis

Founder | Head Editor | Proud Auntie