This illustration is inspired by “I Live in a Mental Hospital,” an anonymous 1950s account of daily life at Athens State Hospital. Through research, I identified the author as Elizabeth Sarah Nye. The piece weaves together symbolic objects from her life—including a medicine bottle from her father’s pharmacy and a pencil I found in the now-abandoned asylum, stamped “Property of the State of Ohio,” a label once applied not only to objects, but to the people confined there. Her words reveal how easily autonomy could be taken from women labeled “difficult,” a reality that still feels uncomfortably close today.
Product Details: This listing is for a print of my original work. Printed on high quality watercolor paper with archival ink. Watermark will not appear on your print. Each print is hand signed, giving it a unique touch.
Shipping details: Prints will be packaged in a protective cellophane sleeve with backing board, and shipped to you in a sturdy mailer. Orders are shipped First Class via USPS within 2 business days of initial order.
Year created: 2026
Copyright Nora Steele 2026
Images may not be reproduced, resold or used in any form without written consent. This listing is for print only, frame is not included.
This illustration is inspired by “I Live in a Mental Hospital,” an anonymous 1950s account of daily life at Athens State Hospital. Through research, I identified the author as Elizabeth Sarah Nye. The piece weaves together symbolic objects from her life—including a medicine bottle from her father’s pharmacy and a pencil I found in the now-abandoned asylum, stamped “Property of the State of Ohio,” a label once applied not only to objects, but to the people confined there. Her words reveal how easily autonomy could be taken from women labeled “difficult,” a reality that still feels uncomfortably close today.
Product Details: This listing is for a print of my original work. Printed on high quality watercolor paper with archival ink. Watermark will not appear on your print. Each print is hand signed, giving it a unique touch.
Shipping details: Prints will be packaged in a protective cellophane sleeve with backing board, and shipped to you in a sturdy mailer. Orders are shipped First Class via USPS within 2 business days of initial order.
Year created: 2026
Copyright Nora Steele 2026
Images may not be reproduced, resold or used in any form without written consent. This listing is for print only, frame is not included.