We were lucky to catch up with Ciara Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Ciara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
The backstory of myself and my art, which I call Rulerless, has many layers, but here’s the core of it.
From a young age, I enjoyed writing and exploring art, often painting and illustrating on my own. I would even experiment with portraiture alongside my grandfather, who was quite skilled, though I never considered myself an artist.
During my school years, I would draw geometric patterns on my homework and bedroom walls and in my twenties, while building a career in the coffee industry, I began creating canvases. Art, at the time, was just a hobby.
In 2010, I became a mother and left my career to focus on my son, but I continued drawing intricate geometric shapes. It was during a dinner party, when people asked how I could draw straight lines without a ruler, an in that instance, “Rulerless” was born.
In 2011, while at an airport, I experienced a medical emergency, which led to a diagnosis of a cavernous blood vessel malformation. This news was overwhelming, and I feared for my life. Working with UCLA Neurology, I explored options but kept much of it private from even my closest friends. The doctors recommended anxiety medication, but because I was already on other medications to manage the malformation, I turned to art as my meditation and therapy. It became my escape from fear and isolation as I underwent tests and, ultimately, brain surgery.
Fortunately, the surgery was a success. As I healed, I realized that art had carried me through my hardest times, and I became more passionate about it than ever. I returned to my career but continued painting nightly, producing dozens of canvases.
In 2016, I held my first art show in Venice Beach on Abbot Kinney. Since then, Rulerless has evolved, taking on new shapes and meaning. Looking back, I sometimes wonder if I should’ve focused on Rulerless earlier, but I believe everything happened as it should. My experiences, both good and bad, have brought me to where I am today.
For over two decades, I’ve developed my artistry, learning through trial and error, research, and an appreciation of art history and different techniques that I’ve utilized within my own creations. In the last four years, I’ve dedicated myself fully to it, But what makes Rulerless truly unique is the originality, intuition and aesthetic taste that I’ve tapped into from within—a gift I’m deeply grateful for.
Ciara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m an interdisciplinary artist, and right now, Rulerless is transitioning from a personal creative outlet to an evolving brand. My primary focus will always be on creating original artwork, but I’m also exploring ways for Rulerless to establish a strong presence in the industry.
When I create, each piece is an intimate journey. I never fully know where it will lead me. My process is about feeling, playing, and exploring—it’s like a conversation with the canvas, where I surrender to the moment, trust the creative process and let my intuition guide me.
I’m very particular about the materials I use, always prioritizing quality over quantity. I either self wrap my canvases or find highest quality canvases to use. And I mostly work with acrylics and watercolors, often incorporating texture compounds and charcoals. I’m not afraid to experiment with unconventional tools from my surroundings to bring my ideas to life.
At heart, I’m an analog artist in a digital world. However, as Rulerless expands beyond canvas into fabrics and design, I’m using tools like Illustrator and Procreate to bring my freehand patterns and color theories into the digital space. This helps me adapt to the constantly evolving digital world, while staying true to my artistic roots.
On the business side, I have a strategic mindset and a keen eye for patterns in business operations that many may overlook.
My past leadership roles have been instrumental in shaping the foundation and direction of Rulerless, and I’m proud of how I’m able to blend my artistic and business skills.
One thing I’m especially proud of is the future of curating a team that truly understands the full spectrum of what Rulerless represents. Each person will bring their own unique perspective while aligning with the core philosophy of being true to oneself. The year ahead will be a very exciting time for Rulerless as a brand.
For me, the process of merging my creative and business sides is like the ultimate brain game. This is particularly meaningful given my experience with brain surgery and the challenges that I still manage.
Every step feels like a personal triumph as I continue to grow both Rulerless and myself.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to completely lose myself in the act of creation. It’s not just about making art—it’s about entering a flow where I’m free to explore and evolve, creating a world that grows with me. This process is deeply meditative. When I emerge from that creative trance, I often surprise myself with what I’ve brought to life. It’s a constant reminder of the hidden potential within me, and every time I experience that, it feels like discovering something new about myself.
What makes it even more powerful is knowing that this process and the full spectrum meaning of Rulerless can resonate with others, offering a glimpse into that transformative world I create. That connection, where someone else can feel the energy and intention behind my work, is something I find incredibly rewarding.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
One aspect of my journey that I think non-creatives might struggle to understand is the depth of the emotional connection to the creative process. For many, art might seem like a straightforward activity—something you either can or cannot do. However, for me, creating is a deeply personal experience that serves as a form of therapy and self-discovery.
When I engage with a canvas, I enter a meditative state where I can explore my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This is where I find solace and clarity. It’s not just about the final piece; it’s about the journey of creation itself—how it allows me to express things that words often can’t capture.
I believe that this transformative process can be valuable for everyone, not just those who consider themselves creative. Embracing the act of creation—whether it’s painting, writing, cooking, or even organizing—can serve as a powerful outlet for processing emotions and experiences.
Additionally, I want to emphasize that creativity is not about perfection or talent—it’s about exploration, curiosity, and the willingness to express oneself authentically. I’ve spent years learning and growing, often through trial and error, as I developed my skills and fine-tuned aesthetic taste and I’ve discovered that the journey itself holds just as much value as the outcome.
I truly believe that every movement in life is an opportunity to create something greater than oneself, whether it’s engaging in a conversation, making love, or enjoying a moment of silence. To me, it’s all art.
In sharing this, I hope to encourage others to find their own creative outlets, whatever they may be. It’s a way to connect with oneself and navigate the complexities of life. You never know what insights or healing can come from simply allowing yourself to create, regardless of the medium.
Us humans forget how limitless our potential can be, I aim to help others believe in themselves and explore the many options and powers that are held within to make this world a better place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rulerless.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciarabella/ and https://www.instagram.com/rulerless.original/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/rulerless
Image Credits
Patrick “Embryo” Tapu: https://www.instagram.com/directedbyembryo/