Welcome to the Art of Soulmaking
The letters we’ve received from Art of Soulmaking participants have been filled with genius, creativity and
the power of art that brings recognition to the soul of our participants.
This gallery is intended to share the work of these artists, and bring their voices and messages
out into the world.
No One Who Knew Him Wasn’t Changed By Him – An Interview
Ines Aubert: Marla, can you tell us in short who you are?
Marla Moffet: In the role of Managing Editor of the online newsletter for our nonprofit Unconditional Freedom (unconditionalfreedom.org), I first came across Don’s work when he won a contest that we ran with our program participants on Dea...
Oct 25, 2024, by In Memorium: Donald Dillbeck
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Reflections From A Death Row Monk
There are a number of parallels or trains of thought that can be had from the story written in The Art Of Soulmaking concerning the word, " meek."
I first came to prison at the age of 15 and have been incarcerated for the past 43 years. The first 11 years was in open segregation while the last 30...
Oct 25, 2024, by In Memorium: Donald Dillbeck
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My Friend Don - by Grace Silverwood
On 23rd February 2023, at around 6pm, Donald Dillbeck walked into a room he knew he wouldn’t be leaving alive. Did he feel scared? Probably, but I don’t think he would have been as scared as the rest of us would have been in that situation. For even though the battle he fought to stay alive for s...
Oct 24, 2024, by In Memorium: Donald Dillbeck
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Video Stories From The Prison Monastery Program — Debbie
Oct 24, 2024, by Debra Bailey
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The Sleight Of Hand
Freedom is an illusion. And not a particularly good one. Like a mediocre magician playing at wowing the audience, its true nature has more in common with the sleight of hand. We are always fascinated by the shiny object, the trending topic, or the outrage of the moment. But it’s a shell game to k...
Oct 24, 2024, by Kevin Foster
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Pain Into Something Beautiful
How have I turned pain into something beautiful, something that holds value to society? Something that connects us to one another?
No dipping your toe into the water to see how cold it may be, nor wading in a little at a time… just jump right into the deep end, huh?
Alright then: I guess the easi...
Oct 24, 2024, by George Presley
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Charles learned to draw by copying a print
Oct 24, 2024, by Charles Finney
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Pencil Drawing
Oct 24, 2024, by Charles Finney
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The Impossible: My New Reality
I woke up in the darkest, loneliest place in my life both figuratively and literally. I was 30 years old, addicted to drugs, had burned all my bridges, lost everything, and found myself on Death Row. I was at a breaking point, or what some people call the “dark night of the soul.” But, ironically...
Oct 24, 2024, by Nicholas Smith
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Doin’ Life In Prison
Doin’ life in prison
You ain’t got nothin’ but time
Distractions nowhere to be found
With nowhere to hide.
I find myself on the ground
Reflecting on my life
All I see is me, myself, and I.
Humbling myself now I can see how God
Led me through each and every one of those
achievements.
Everything ha...
Oct 24, 2024, by C. Gosztyla
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From The Ashes Rises The Phoenix
A handful of years ago my adopted mother passed away. We had a strong bond and were very close. It’s safe to say she was what anchored me and kept me going in the early years while being on death row. She was in her mid 80s when she passed away, so she had a good full life. Perhaps a year before ...
Oct 24, 2024, by In Memorium: Donald Dillbeck
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Donny Dillbeck Was My Friend
Donny Dillbeck was my friend. A simple statement of fact but one that has profound qualities. For those of you who read this newsletter you will probably recognize the name, recently a few of his friends (myself among them) honored the hundredth day since the state of Florida murdered him. We did...
Oct 24, 2024, by Kevin Foster
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Letter from an Incarcerated Soulmaker
Hello again Laura,
I cannot believe another week has passed already. I am saddened that there are only two weeks left to the group. But I wholeheartedly intend to keep up the practices and tools I’ve re-incorporated into my daily life since beginning this course. This week’s segment on forgivenes...
Oct 23, 2024, by Kristin
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A Ray of Light: The Spark
Oct 23, 2024, by Ray Corona
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Living Proof
Dear Unconditional Freedom Team,
Hope this letter finds everyone at the Unconditional Freedom team in the best of health. My name is Miguel Venancio, and I’m currently incarcerated at Kern Valley State Prison. I’m writing to express my deepest gratitude for The Art of Soulmaking course on the Edo...
Oct 23, 2024, by Miguel Venancio
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Resurrection
At the end of death, suffering and sacrifice
comes the beginning of a transformation,
but when we have to be our own executioner
we don't understand the meaning of "Resurrection".
Therehore, we rather hide behind the betrayal of
pride, bitterness and anger,
the things we believe that protects us ...
Oct 23, 2024, by Willie Moore
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Oct 23, 2024, by In Memorium: Donald Dillbeck
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Oct 23, 2024, by Charles Finney
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