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.
