At Getaway, we believe nature is an inclusive space where everyone can thrive. In celebration of Pride, we’ve partnered with three Atlanta-based artists who transformed our tiny cabins into expressive, colorful canvases. Today we’re featuring Anna Sophia Mackey aka SOFAHOOD. Read on to hear our interview with them below, and take a look at how they captured the essence of Pride in their work at Getaway Lake Hartwell.
“I am Sophia. I’m based in Atlanta, Georgia, and I use the pronouns she/they. We are at Getaway Lake Hartwell, and this is my piece, ‘Love Lives Here.'”
Tell us about your journey as an artist.
“I’ve been doing art since I was four. It’s just something that I’ve always done to pass the time and to release emotion and just sort of spark excitement.”
How would you describe your art style?
“I would describe my art as very colorful, very dreamy, and very Black and very gay. For this mural, I really wanted it to look like a dreamscape and I wanted it to obviously invoke ideas of gayness and gay happiness. So, I added a rainbow and clouds in the sun, to sort of exemplify all of that.”
What inspires you?
“I find archives inspiring. I find old pictures of my elders and photos from the civil rights movement, really inspiring along with just my own journal and diary entries. Also, the community around me that uplifts me and my work, by sharing my work for starters, and just showing up for me. And I would also argue that when they show up for themselves, they’re also showing up for me by maintaining that community.”
What is your favorite thing about Pride Month?
“Really my favorite thing about Pride Month is just all the happy gay people just running around in the heat and being just gay and happy.”
What message would you send to those who seek to divide us?
“To those who seek to divide, I would say, find something to do, find a hobby, find a skill, find a task, go to sleep. Anything other than continuing to seek to divide.”
Tell us about your connection to nature.
“I really like the quiet. While I’ve been out here, it’s just been so peaceful. I live in the city where there’s a lot of sirens and screaming and loud music all the time. So to come out here and not hear anything at night, like I haven’t woken up in the middle of the night at all while I’ve been out here except for my friend snoring.”
How do you find balance?
“Well I’m a full-time freelance artist, so I’m pretty much just creating all the time. And when I’m not creating and or working, I’m resting pretty much, so yeah, the balance sort of finds itself given my career choice. So to see more of my work, you can go to my website.”
Make sure to check out the mural Sophia created at Getaway Lake Hartwell during your June escape.