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 nine years, the answer has evolved significantly. The artist book “Where Are You From?” allows the reader to explore my responses through collage that utilizes pop-up construction and moveable parts: car trunks must be lifted, draw strings must be pulled, flowers must be spun, windows must be opened—there are even pockets that must be emptied. Each turn of the page invites participation. “Where Are You From?” is housed in a travel trunk, and its cover depicts the inside of a stuffed suitcase.

About the binding:
8 full-color collages/pages sewn onto linen tapes. Flat back binding.
On-going, numbered edition begun in September, 2008, in San Antonio de Arredondo, Province of Córdoba, Argentina.

Alex Appella (born in Oregon) began bookbinding as a way to share her writing and collage art while traveling. What began as a temporary solution within a nomadic lifestyle has turned into a way of life. Alex now writes and binds from her home in Córdoba, Argentina. Alex’s artist’s books can be found in special collections and libraries all over the US and beyond.