Art amongst the flowers for Heroic Gardens | Auckland Entertainment | Events, Movies and TV Guide for Auckland

The tiny studio in which the art of John Papas is housed is awash with colours of the Mediterranean. There's little room to move, with works stacked everywhere.

"I'm looking forward to seeing them on the walls," Papas says.

The paintings form part of his Moment in Time series that will be displayed at Mercy Hospice on College Hill for the Heroic Gardens Festival fundraiser on February 18 and 19. "My workspace is spread through the house. Out the back there's a terrace so I can work there as well. It's amazing what you can do in a small space."

Papas says he's not "moody" but that moods play a part in the creation of art. "If you're not in the mood then don't start. It's going to be a waste of time and you end up destroying the work. You have to be in the right frame of mind."

He always keeps a little book with him while travelling, that serves like a painting diary.

"I've got them all sketched up and then I can tick them off when they're done. Usually the idea comes when you first get exposed to seeing the work. If I don't sketch it, there's too much going on in your head, and you forget. It's good to look at it sometimes and think: 'Where did that go?'."

The Moment in Time series is a combination of painting and collage. "These are all to do with memory. Travelling, you see such amazing sights - architecture, scenery, particularly the dolphins, which you see a lot in the Mediterranean. My father came from Greece, so I have a connection," he says.

Blues, oranges and yellows capture the hues of the sun-drenched country. Cut-outs of palm trees, dolphins, and blue and white blinds reinforce the impression.

Mr Papas is also donating another series, Arboretum. This series is based on the Eastwoodhill Arboretum in Gisborne. Burnt orange, browns and greens dominate. "It was autumn and everything was right," he says.

Mr Papas has helped the hospice since the 70s, first in Takapuna, then Orewa.

His art is auctioned to raise money or displayed to provide inspiration to visitors and patients.

"I think every family has been touched by the hospice. There comes a stage where you just need help. And people come in, maybe just for a couple of days, and everybody has a break. The team down there just steps in and organises everything for you. It's amazing."

HEROIC CAUSE
Mercy Hospice hopes to raise $50,000 from the Heroic Gardens Festival, as well as from the sale of John Papas' paintings. It's Auckland's biggest and most popular exhibition of 24 striking, private gardens.
More than $500,000 has been raised for local charity since the festival's inception.
Until 2009, it raised money for the now-defunct Herne Bay House, which provided care for people with HIV/Aids.
Since Herne Bay House's closure, the money has gone to Auckland hospices, and this year specifically to Mercy Hospice.
WHEN February 18-19, 10am- 6pm
HOW MUCH $35 each at Palmco or online at heroicgardens.org.nz Children under 12 not permitted unless they can be carried.
WEB www.heroicgardens.org.nz