Biography

What to say?  I'm a writer (my attendance at the University of Iowa was initially motivated by attending the Writer's Workshop, which led to being at the right place at the right time when the University launched a new program called the Iowa Center for the Book), an artist (book artist; doing tangible things with paper such as interpretive bindings, paper marbling, and paper collage - as well as a conceptual artist; something a whole lot less tangible, but which has lead to cooperative projects such as Paint the Moon, my 2001 effort to unite thousands around the globe in an ostensible effort to splash a red dot on the Moon using laser pointers), a bookbinder (which presumably brought you to this site), and an all-around hell of a nice guy.  No, seriously. You can find more about me and my creative side at this website: www.afineline.org OK, some facts.  I'm in my 40's.  I grew up in St. Louis, fled as soon as I could.  Went to college at Grinnell College in Iowa.  Worked writing ad copy for radio for a few years, then went to grad school at the University of Iowa.  I’m happily married, with two cats, and a dog.  For a goodly number of years I was heavily involved in a historical re-creation organization devoted to the Middle Ages.  Now, middle-aged myself, I find I have less time to devote to such things.  Ah well. Beyond that, feel free to Google me.  For someone who isn't famous, I'm, well, famous.  OK, not in the sense of being a celebrity.  No one will pay me for just being me and giving speeches or "writing" my memoirs (damn!).  But I have been on both Weekend Edition Saturday and Howard Stern, been profiled in the same magazine as Paula Zahn, and seem to have a talent for getting my name in the paper (usually for good reasons). And I really am a hell of a nice guy..

Legacy Bookbindery 2011 N. Country Club Drive, Columbia, MO 65201 (573) 442-0855 jdowney@legacybookbindery.com

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