From Engineering to Expression: Hasti Navab's Artistic Journey Through Toronto's Creative Landscape
- Toronto Artists
- Aug 26
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 5
Toronto-Artists
Writer James Mac Donald
https://www.instagram.com/blogger_james_m/ Interview with
Hasti Navab
Toronto Artists caught up with an amazing artist, Hasti Navab, who has had an incredible journey from petroleum engineering to thriving as an artist and model in Toronto’s vibrant creative scene. Hasti's path is not merely a series of milestones; it is a story of passion, resilience, and creativity that has unfolded over the years. Her remarkable story is one of letting two passions flourish side by side. She was born in Tehran and is now living in Toronto. She is currently working as an artist, model, and graphic designer while continuing her academic pursuits.
In the interview with Hasti Navab, she told Toronto-Artists: "In my artistic career, I have learned that creativity can be a powerful conduit for change."
Toronto artists engaged her with a series of thoughtful questions, and it quickly became apparent that her deep passion for art, coupled with her remarkable talents, will significantly enrich our understanding of her story. The inquiries we posed delved into profound and complex topics, revealing layers of insight and emotion. This was merely the beginning; we were soon enveloped in an incredible narrative that is not only inspiring but also paints a vivid picture of her artistic journey.
The making of an Artist.
In the early years, as she grew up in Tehran, she tells us that her childhood life was very vibrant, filled with colors, sounds, and movements that shaped her artistic identity. Hasti points out and recalls that at the age of three, her family supported her exploration of various forms of expression. Music lessons, painting classes, and sports were not just hobbies; they became defining parts of who she is.
Her big pivotal moment began at the age of twelve, as she started painting professionally. Hasti Navab had her first solo exhibition at the age of fourteen, showcasing over thirty pieces of artwork. Her work has since been shown globally in numerous countries such as: Netherlands, Iran, Turkey, Italy, Mexico, USA, and Canada, earning multiple awards in international competitions.
Relocating to Toronto was a remarkable turning point in Hasti's journey. The city's vibrant creative scene offered endless opportunities to connect with like-minded artists and discover new avenues for expression. Diving into the local art landscape, she attended workshops, gallery openings, and networking events, which significantly expanded my creative horizons.
How did you transition from being an engineer to working in the industry you're in today?
"For me, engineering, art, and modeling are not separate realms but interconnected expressions of creativity, precision, and resilience. Engineering honed my analytical mindset and discipline—qualities I channel into my art, where I craft narratives through color and form, and my modeling, where I embody stories through movement and style."
My journey from petroleum engineering to thriving as an artist and model in Toronto’s vibrant creative scene. It is a story of weaving together seemingly disparate passions into a life of boundless expression and impact. This transition wasn’t about abandoning engineering but about integrating it into a broader creative vision. I’ve always sought to balance and connect fields others might see as unrelated—engineering’s structure, art’s expressiveness, and modeling’s storytelling. This synergy fuels my joy, whether I’m teaching art to children and all ages and genders at my art studio and other institutions, performing music on piano or setar, or walking runways. All of this creativity and style is built with a confidence rooted in my multidisciplinary background. Toronto has been the perfect canvas for this evolution, allowing me to celebrate my Persian heritage while embracing global influences, creating a life that thrives on curiosity, connection, and the courage to redefine what’s possible.
Modelling and the Runway
When I arrived in Toronto in 2024, I embraced the dynamism of the city's creative landscape, securing a graphic design role with a Canadian Company within weeks, leveraging my expertise in design and visual arts. My modeling projects blend cultural narratives with bold aesthetics. I immersed myself in modeling, collaborating with designers from diverse backgrounds—Brazilian, Indian, African, and Canadian—walking in prestigious events such as Fashion Art Toronto, Canada’s Bridal Show, and The National Women’s Show.
My television appearance on CHCH’s “Fashionable Farewell to 2024,” where I modeled for brands like H&M, Aldo, and Toronto Designers Market, and my titles as Miss Ontario and Top Model in the Miss Canada Nation Universe 2025, underscore the impact I’ve made in Toronto’s fashion scene. (see at bottom of Article)
Hasti Navab Miss Ontario
Education: "Thoughts on Research"
My love for problem-solving led me to excel in mathematics and physics, paving the way for a Degree in Petroleum Engineering at Amirkabir University of Technology, where I ranked top and secured direct admission to a Master's in drilling engineering. During my studies, I worked in Iran’s oil and gas sector, contributing to projects like the Alvand field and publishing research on waste management in drilling operations.
My current research at York University, developing rapid, cost-effective hepatitis C detection methods, reflects my commitment to innovation, mirroring the boundary-pushing creativity
Art work
She has held art exhibitions at venues like "Super Wonder Gallery", and her most recent collection, "3! Spring"
Hati Navab's "3! Spring
Hasti Navab's artworks
She employs various techniques and materials, including watercolor, acrylic, oil, and ceramics.
Observational Insight: "I draw inspiration from everything—Toronto’s bustling streets, people’s emotions, fleeting thoughts—transforming these into evocative art pieces or authentic modeling performances. My keen attention to my surroundings, honed since childhood, allows me to craft paintings or runway moments that resonate deeply, reflecting the poetic depth of my cultural roots.
How do you maintain a work-life balance while staying creative?
As a 24-year-old Persian artist, model, musician, athlete, and engineer thriving in Toronto, I maintain work-life balance by embracing my diverse passions as interconnected streams that flow into a vibrant river of creativity, subtly shaped by the rich cultural heritage that inspires my artistic expression. Growing up in Iran, I was immersed in a world of storytelling, color, and resilience, which fuels my ability to juggle multiple roles while keeping my creative spark alive.
Balance for me is a dance between discipline and freedom. My engineering background, where I invented nano paper—earning accolades in competitions like the Mod Cup at Iran University of Science and Technology—instills a structured approach that I apply to my visual arts, crafting works in watercolor, pastel, and ceramics displayed in galleries across Iran, Canada, and beyond. This precision also enhances my modeling, where I’ve walked as a model for events like the Fired-Up Gala for SickKids ( embodying these narratives, reminding me to blend creativity with purpose).
My Persian roots, with their emphasis on art and resilience, quietly guide my creative process, whether I’m painting, modeling, or teaching. By seeing my roles—artist, model, musician, athlete, and innovator—as interconnected, I maintain balance, ensuring each pursuit fuels my creativity while crafting a life that celebrates both discipline and the freedom to create without limits.
What are the key skills that helped you carve your path into the field you are most passionate about?"
"As a 24-year-old Persian artist and model thriving in Toronto, my passion for art and modeling has been shaped by creativity, perseverance, authenticity, and cultural sensitivity, infused with the vibrant storytelling of my heritage. The honesty in my work and daily life amplifies my impact, resonating deeply with audiences and collaborators."
Creative Storytelling: My ability to weave narratives through art—painting, ceramics, and jewelry design—has built a global presence, with exhibitions from Iran to Canada. In modeling, this skill translates into authentic performances that captivate, reflecting the poetic depth of my Persian roots.
Perseverance and Responsibility: My competitive drive, honed through sports and academic achievements, fuels my commitment to excellence. I approach every project—whether a canvas or a catwalk—with diligence, finding joy in seeing my vision realized, from gallery displays to fashion showcases.
Authenticity: The sincerity I bring to my art and modeling creates a powerful connection with others. This honesty, evident in my expressive brushstrokes or genuine runway presence, makes my work relatable and impactful, inspiring audiences and collaborators alike.
Cultural Sensitivity: Fluency in Persian, English, and French allows me to engage with Toronto’s diverse creative community, enriching my art and modeling with universal stories. Teaching art to children further hones this skill, fostering meaningful connections that spark inspiration.
These skills—storytelling, perseverance, authenticity, and cultural sensitivity—have carved my path into art and modeling, amplified by my honest approach, which has allowed me to create with passion and leave a lasting impact.
Positivity and Perseverance: My commitment to positive thinking drives my creative process. I let go of negativity, focusing instead on the joy of completing a project, whether it’s an exhibition or a fashion showcase."
Appearance on CHCH.
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