I was born on a sheep farm in Eastern Oregon before plastic shopping bags but after 8 track tapes.

Becoming a book binder was a natural side effect of being a writer often on the road. My first books were typed on construction paper and stapled into their covers, which were made from paper grocery sacks. Quite basic…but it achieved the initial purpose: a way to publish and commercialize/share my writings no matter where I was. Once my Aunt gave me a Keith Smith book, though, a (more adept) book artist was born.

With my husband Magu Appella, I am co-founder, co-garbage taker outer, co-webmaster, co-administrator, co-problem solver, co-diaper changer and co-bookbinder at www.TransientBooks.com.

I came to Córdoba, Argentina in 1994 to investigate our family’s history. I meant to only stay six months. This plan was drastically modified. As of 2010, I'm still down here--married, binding books and raising children. And after 12 years of further investigation, writing and experimentation, the original family history investigation led to The János Book.

I am grateful everyday that my commute to work is 50 steps out the back door.

Most days you can find us at our home and studio, situated at the end of a long dirt road in the sierras outside the city of Córdoba, Argentina.

VISITE NUESTRO SITIO EN CASTELLANO

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: Artist's Books by Alex Appella are on sale at the following locations:
Minnesota Center for Book Arts Studio Shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
23 Sandy Gallery in Portland, Oregon.
Another Room Book Arts in San Francisco, California.
Vamp & Tramp Booksellers online, on the road, and in Alabama.
Abecedarian Gallery in Denver, Colorado.

IN THE NEWS:
Bound & Lettered:
Volume 8, No. 1, 2009: "Well Diggers" appears in the article Democratic Organization written by Mary Tasillo

Oregon Jewish Review:
Alex Appella’s ‘János Book’ bares Jewish family’s history
Appella’s book unlocks a family’s hidden Jewish past, Gallery owner Laura Russell led fund-raising drive.

IN THE CLUB:
Member of the Movable Book Society since 2010.
Member of the US Guild of Bookworkers since 2008.
Member of the Argentine Association of Bookbinders (Encuadernadores Artesanales de la República Argentina) since 2003.