Embracing imperfection - Donna Dufault

Donna Dufault in front of a wall of her worn spoon photographs.

The Power of a Word: Choosing Transformation in 2025

Every year, people set goals, (I sure do!) make resolutions, (well, maybe one…) and try to chart a path forward. But resolutions can feel rigid, easily broken, or too overwhelming to maintain. Instead, many are turning to the idea of a Word of the Year—a single word that serves as a touchstone, a guiding force, and an intention for the months ahead.

This year, I’ve chosen my word: Transformation.

Why Transformation?

For me, Transformation isn’t just about change—it’s about embracing a deep shift in who I am and how I move through the world. I’ve spent years as a photographer, capturing the beauty in imperfection, in objects that have been worn by time and use. But this year marks a turning point: I am stepping fully into the life of an artist, committing to my creative practice in a way I never have before.

It’s a leap that feels both exhilarating and a little terrifying. But transformation isn’t always easy—it’s about growth, shedding old layers, and stepping into something new, even when the path ahead is uncertain. And yes my path is looking a little scary these days. Yet I am feeling more alive then ever before.

Choosing Your Own Word of the Year

Picking a word isn’t about getting it “right”—it’s about choosing something that feels meaningful to you. It should be a word that inspires you, a word that challenges you, a word that you can turn to when you need direction.

Here’s how to find yours:

Reflect on the Past Year – What stood out to you? What were your biggest challenges? What lessons did you learn?
Consider Your Goals & Values – What do you want to embody this year? What kind of person do you want to become?
Brainstorm Potential Words – Write down a list of words that resonate with your aspirations. Some ideas: Balance, Resilience, Joy, Strength, Presence, Courage.
Narrow It Down – Which word feels most powerful? Which one excites you or feels deeply aligned with where you are right now?
Live Your Word – Once you’ve chosen, use it! Write it in your journal, put it on a sticky note, reflect on it when making decisions, and let it shape your mindset throughout the year.

Transformation in Action

The beauty of choosing a word is that it’s not about perfection—it’s about direction. For me, transformation means trusting my creative instincts, taking bigger risks, and stepping more fully into my identity as an artist. It means allowing change, rather than resisting it.

For you, transformation might mean something different—or maybe another word entirely will speak to your heart.

Whatever you choose, I invite you to join me in this journey.

And here’s a challenge for you: This week, notice something in your life that is beautifully imperfect. Maybe it’s an object, a moment, or even a part of yourself that you’ve been too hard on. Let it be a reminder that imperfection is part of growth, and that transformation happens in the spaces where we allow change to unfold.

I’d love to hear from you! Share your Word of the Year or your beautifully imperfect discovery with me—DM me on Instagram, Facebook, text, or email. Let’s support each other in embracing the magic of becoming.

Here’s to 2025 and all the transformations ahead!

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A Surprise Commission: Honoring Memories and Letting Go

Everlasting Melody

Sylvias China

Unforgettable Legacy

One night, I was sitting around a fire pit in a cozy little town in Louisiana, chatting with friends and watching the flames dance in the cool evening air. Among the familiar faces, we were also getting to know some new friends. As conversations tend to go, we started talking about my art and the upcoming launch of my website. I didn’t think much of it at the time—it was just part of the night’s discussions.

A few days later, to my surprise, I received a phone call from one of the neighbors who had been at the fire pit that evening. She had something on her mind and wanted to talk to me about a special project. Her mother had passed down a complete set of gorgeous bone china, a set that had meant the world to her. But no one in the family—neither her daughters nor her sisters—wanted it. She couldn’t bring herself to just give it away or toss it out, not when it held so much sentimental value. So, she asked if I could photograph the china for her, to preserve its memory before she found it a new home. That way, even if she let the physical set go, she would always have those images to remember it by.

I was deeply touched by her request and agreed immediately. We spent time talking about her mother, her life, and the memories wrapped up in that delicate china set. When I arrived at her home to take the photos, she had lovingly laid out the pieces, along with other items that had been part of her mother’s life. The china was truly beautiful, its fine details speaking to an era where such things were treasured. I could sense not just the elegance of the dishes, but the deep attachment they held for this woman and her family.

It struck me then how powerful objects can be—how they hold memories, connect us to the past, and anchor us to those we’ve loved. I understood why she wanted to preserve the essence of these objects through photography, and I also understood the conflict she felt. Her daughters didn’t want the set, and she was worried about what would happen to it after she passed. So much of why we hold onto things comes down to memory, legacy, and the stories we tell ourselves. And yet, there’s also the need to let go—to release things so they don’t become a burden for our loved ones.

With all of this in mind, I set out to capture not just the beauty of the china, but the spirit of the memories behind it. I spent the day arranging the pieces, carefully crafting images that would honor her mother and the cherished moments this set had seen. I wanted the photographs to feel like a tribute—something that would allow her to keep the memories alive, even as she found the courage to let the objects go.

When the session was over, I returned home and worked diligently on the images, pouring my heart into each one. A few days later, we met again, and I shared the finished photos with her. Her response was overwhelming—emotional for both of us. She loved the images so much that she decided to purchase every single one. Not only that, but she wanted to create prints for her daughters and sisters, sharing the legacy in a new way with them.

It was one of the most heartfelt commissions I’ve ever done. I was honored to help her preserve these precious memories and, in a small way, help her find peace in letting go. I hope that every time she looks at the images, she’s reminded of her mother, the love they shared, and the warmth of those memories.

Isn’t that the true power of art? To connect us to our past, to help us honor what was, and to let us release what no longer needs to be held onto—while allowing the memories to live on in a new and meaningful way.

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