Washington, DC native and self-taught artist Theresa Manassa discovered her passion for painting during one of the most challenging chapters of her life. In 2017, while recovering from breast cancer, she picked up a pen and began doodling—seeking comfort, distraction, and healing. What began as a simple creative outlet soon revealed a deeper purpose: a gift for visual storytelling and self-expression through art.

 

“Art found me when I needed it most,” she shares. “It helped me process pain, reclaim my strength, and reconnect with joy.”

 

Theresa works across several mediums, including acrylic paint, marker, charcoal, and pencil. Her work is best known for bold, abstract portraits that celebrate beauty, emotion, and cultural diversity. Rich, vibrant colors—especially shades of blue—run through her pieces, symbolizing both resilience and calm. She uses water and rags to blend multiple layers, creating depth and movement that mirror the complexity of the human experience.

 

In 2020, inspired by her journey and with renewed purpose, Theresa launched Elsie Jay Art, named in honor of her beloved mother, Elsie Janifer. Through her art, she continues to share not only her creative vision but also her personal story of healing, transformation, and hope.

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"The ability to take pride in your own work is one of the

hallmarks of sanity".

Nikki Giovanni