Davida – Model & Mistress of Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Davida is the story of unconditional love between Albertina Hultgren (aka Davida Johnson Clark) and renowned American sculptor (Augustus Saint-Gaudens. It was a forbidden love affair that survived twenty-five years, until his untimely death. She was the ethereal woman; he was strength and exuberance.
The author, Ms. Ingalls is the only surviving great-grandchild from this union of Davida and Augustus. She wanted to tell the story of her great-grandmother of which there is very little factual information. Therefore, she created a fictionalized version of Davida except for her role as the model for some of Saint-Gaudens's sculptures.
Her hope is to remove any stigma to Davida, who was never able to publicly proclaim her unconditional love for Augustus. The author also wants to remove the label of bastard from her grandfather, Louis Paul Clark who lived his whole life in fear and shame for being given such a name in the late 1880's.
About Karen Ingalls (Orlando, Florida Author)
Karen Ingalls is the author of a twice award winning historical fiction, a biographical fiction, and an award winning non-fiction. She has published articles for journals and websites. She writes three blogs: Mind, Pen, Spirit for authors and avid readers (kareningallsbooks.blogspot.com), Ovarian Cancer Journeys (ovarian cancer information and inspiration (ovariancancerjourneys.blogspot.com), and Outshine Ovarian Cancer about health/wellness, relationships, and spirituality (outshineovariancancer.blogspot.com).
Ms. Ingalls is a retired registered nurse with a Master's Degree in Human Development (a double major in psychology and human services). She does public speaking on health/wellness, gynecologic cancers, living life with hope, and stress management. She has done presentations for University of Florida Pharmacy Students, University of Central Florida nursing students, church groups, service organizations, libraries, and nursing homes.
Her philosophy as an author is: "The only important thing in a book is the meaning it has for you." (Somerset Maugham). As a nine year ovarian cancer survivor she lives by the philosophy: "Hope is living with courage and confidence, not fear." (Penny Boldrey)
