Our Story
Tinu Verghis,
Artist(MFA),
Farmer(Directorate of Agriculture, Goa),
Advanced Yoga Teacher(900 hrs) & Yoga Therapist
I was raised in a village nestled in the verdant landscapes of Kerala, where an abundance of chili, okra, melons, moringa, yam, ivy gourd, and other crops flourished all year round. Banana trees lined up as natural walls, and pineapple bushes served as divider fences. The kitchen table was often adorned with newspapers filled with dried seeds, as my mother meticulously collected and nurtured every seed she could find. She taught me the art of planting seeds, knowing that each one had its unique requirements - some needed soaking in water, some had to be planted fresh from the fruit, and some required drying before sowing. Some seeds sprouted quickly, while others took weeks or even a month. This deep understanding of seeds and their care was passed down to us through traditional knowledge, teaching us the delicate balance between human intervention and nature's rhythms.
I believe that we are intrinsically connected to nature, and this connection begins with the seed - the miraculous embodiment of life itself. Over the past 18 years, I have been applying agroecology and permaculture principles on my half-acre land. During the monsoon period, we engage in rice cultivation, following organic and sustainable practices, resulting in a yearly harvest of one tonne of rice. Instead of selling the rice, I prefer to barter, as it aligns with my belief that the capitalistic model of exchanging goods for money is reductionist and it fails to recognize the value of sustainable food practices and community sharing.
As a former fashion model, I had the honour of gracing the cover of Vogue and working with top designers in India and internationally. I was the showstopper for renowned Indian designers like Manish Malhotra, Rohit Bal, Manish Arora, and worked with international designers like Christian Lacroix, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, and many more. However, I felt the need to reclaim my body and address the issues that make women feel insecure and unworthy. This led me to pursue my passion for art and complete my post-graduation in Performance Arts. I am deeply interested in using art as a medium to explore and highlight the stories and lives of women, seeking connections and building narratives that challenge systems of oppression in a democratic and inclusive way.
Photo credit: @rachelbayros
A Glimpse into our Creative Endeavours
We cultivate boundless creativity, encouraging individuals to express themselves through diverse mediums. Each project serves as a canvas for unique stories and experiences.
Connecting through Life, Art & Farming
After becoming a mother, I experienced a challenging phase of postnatal depression that left my life in a chaos. I found myself struggling with fears I couldn’t name. But, one day, I woke up with a determination to find my heart again.
I decided to confront the fears that I could recognize - like my fear of driving, swimming in the ocean, and opening up my life to others. I sought out a coach who could teach me to swim in the ocean, and I committed to swimming every day, for months, pushing myself to overcome my fears.
I also obtained a driver's license and embarked on a journey from Berlin to Hungary to attend a camp hosted by The School of Disobedience. On the camp’s first day, we, a group of women, shared a transformative ritual as we walked hand in hand to the stunning Lake Balaton. I swam in the turquoise deep blue lake, shedding the last bit of fear that had gripped my heart.
Inspired by my own journey of overcoming fears, I invited The School of Disobedience to Goa to host an art camp at my rice farm. This was the birth of The Art Farm, where I opened up my life and farm to other women, creating a community for shared experiences, creativity, and growth.
