Alex Appella: Writer · Book Artist


written, engineered & bound by Alex Appella Pop up collage book $500 As an Oregonian living in Argentina, not a day goes by that I am not asked, “Where are you from?”—in the grocery store, paying bills, getting gas. I am heartened that my accent has improved: most of the askers assume I am from Brazil. But it is an accent nonetheless, and the question is constant. It is a notable opportunity for self-reflection. Over the last eight years, the answer has evolved significantly. The artist book, “Where Are You From?” explores my answers through collage that utilizes pop-up construction and moveable parts. About the binding: 8 full color collages/pages sewn onto linen tapes. Flat back binding. Each book housed in its own “trunk”. 6 x 8 inches. Printed on an Epson Ink Jet Printer. This on-going, numbered edition was begun in September, 2008 in San Antonio de Arredondo, Province of Córdoba, Argentina. Collections: University of Georgia Texas Tech University	"Where are you from?" locals ask on the first page.
An evolving answer to a permanent question...	I am from Transylvania (on my mother's side) and from the melting pot (on my father's side).
I am from Wallowa County, Oregon, where I was born. Items can be pulled out of the pocket at the bottom of the page.	I am from Salem, Oregon, where I went to school. The book opens to tell more of the story.
I am from (my decision to go to) Juneau, Alaska. The subaru trunk opens and items can be pulled out.	Today, I am from the Sierras of Córdoba, Argentina. Notice! The pull strings on the page above moves images back and forth across the collage. The window shudders open and close as well.