OTTUMWA — Bill Bowman has been working his magic for years and has finally amazed himself.

Bowman is a local physical therapist assistant by day.

But, after hours and on the weekend, he is “William the Conjurer.”

Over the years, Bowman has created some original effects and perfected them. Now, he has been published in the “Visions, the Online Journal of Magic,” for his “Gypsy’s Choice” effect.

The trick involves a deck of Tarot cards and five boxes that contain objects related to the cards. He then chooses a member of the audience to participate as the “Gypsy.”

Once the effect has begun, he asks the participant to tell him when to stop shuffling the deck of cards and pick a card. Then the participant must tap the cards and release the Gypsy spirit. The participant is then asked to open one of the boxes and then the card is turned over that they chose. The trick is that both the card that was chosen and the objects will match each other.

He was very excited to be involved with the online magazine.

“Magicians from all over the world are featured in this monthly forum under various topic headings dealing with theories of audience psychology, mentalism, close up magic and the state of magic in the world today.

“I am proud to be featured alongside many of the biggest names in magic throughout the world,” Bowman said.

He was one of the featured performers last New Year's Day at the grand opening of the Bridge View Events Center and performs regularly for birthday parties, schools, restaurants and club and corporate events throughout the area. He is a member in both the Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

He started practicing magic when he was 7-years-old and has been doing it since.

“I grew up in L.A. and they had a Commerce Park celebration each year and one year they had a magician there and it was fascinating,” he said. “To see the look on people’s faces was just unbelievable. I’m pleased to be able to pass that feeling on to people.”

Scott Niles can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or via e-mail at sjniles@mchsi.com.