Bones & Stones in Matala (Crete) and how to start your abstract art

One of the highlights of my trip to Crete was visiting Matala, located in the southwestern part of the island.

Of course, being a wilderness lover, I wasn’t drawn to Matala for its status as a major tourist destination, but rather for the chance to experience the famous caves up close.

Fortunately, traveling in May allowed me to appreciate the area’s serene beauty, with only a handful of other visitors around.

I often find myself contemplating the interconnectedness of the natural world, both in terms of its meaning and its aesthetic. The recurring structural elements, textures, and patterns observed across plants, minerals, and animals suggest a profound unity, reminding us that we are all part of a singular, interconnected whole.

The structure of stones and bones often mirrors one another, and this connection is vividly apparent when you observe the Matala Caves, which evoke the essence of both.

The caves

The caves of Matala have a history that spans thousands of years. Ancient caverns, carved into the rocky cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Apparently they have been carved in the Neolithic age as dwellings, then used as burial sites. As you see in my photos below, certain tombs display distinct Roman characteristics such as arched structures and stone benches, others exhibit simpler shapes that might be before the Roman influence.

Interestingly they bear resemblance to the necropolis in Alexandria, Egypt, as well as tombs found in Italy constructed by the Etruscans, believed to have Minoan ancestry. This suggests a historical connection between Matala, the southern coast of Crete, and extensive trade with Egypt during the Roman period.

The Hippies

The Matala caves became popular in the 1960s and 1970s as a haven for the counterculture movement. Hippies from around the world flocked to Matala, drawn by the allure of a bohemian lifestyle within the peaceful shelter of these caves. Notable figures like Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan, and Leonard Cohen were among those who found inspiration in this unique setting.

Joni Mitchell experience of the caves was immortalised in her 1971 song "Carey"

Bones

While making my way along the steep and somewhat tedious path from Matala to the nearby Red Beach, I unexpectedly came across a sheep skull. Surrounded by caves and bones, my thoughts began to drift with the rhythms of nature. There’s something about bones that I find irresistibly fascinating. Instantly, the weariness of the hike faded as I became absorbed in the skull’s details. Needless to say, I had to take it with me!

Sheep's skull I found

Bones are more than just anatomical structures; they form a sophisticated and elegant visual language, offering a unique way to explore the fundamentals of organic form, depth, movement, and the contrast between light and shadow.

But their appeal goes beyond aesthetics. Bones resonate on a symbolic level, reminding us of life’s impermanence, its fragility, and the ever-turning cycle of existence. To me, they serve as portals—inviting us to delve into the grace, beauty, and complexity that define our world.

My process towards abstraction

When I aim to abstract something, my approach often begins with deconstructing the whole. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by taking close-up photos of the subject from various angles. This technique not only reveals intricate details but also encourages a shift in perspective, allowing us to see beyond the object’s literal meaning and imagine something entirely new.

By doing so, the sheep's skull can look like a stone, a rock, a landscape, a tree bark, a carved piece of wood and so on. There is no limit to what you can see when the whole is dismantled in so many bits and pieces.

In addition to deconstruction, one of my key practices is working with black-and-white photography. This approach is especially powerful because it naturally draws attention to shapes, the interplay of light and shadow (chiaroscuro), and textures. By stripping away color, the viewer is invited to engage more deeply with form and composition, free from the distractions of colour or the literal meaning of the subject.

In my view, taking close-up photos in black and white is an excellent way to develop the visual and conceptual elements needed for creating abstract art. It’s a method that not only enhances your artistic materials but also sharpens your perception of the essential qualities that define your work.

Click on the pictures below to expand.