“CROWNED PALMS” - RARE COLLECTOR’S EDITION, 1 OF 10

Gustav Nel has been immersed in art for over two decades. Born in South Africa and now based in Canada, his early years in diverse landscapes, ranging from Africa’s wild rivers to Canada’s rugged outdoors, shaped a patient, intuitive eye and a deep appreciation for storytelling.

His formal journey began at Applied Multi-Media, a private school in Calgary, followed by a brief career as an art director. Over twenty years, he has honed his craft across commercial, editorial, and documentary photography, shooting everything from food to portraits, and producing the documentary “River People” (Apple TV).

Nel’s work celebrates life’s often overlooked moments, offering viewers a serene escape and a reminder of the inherent beauty around us. His approach blends improvisation with careful observation, letting environment and chance guide his lens. Using high-end cameras and meticulous post-production, he creates archival-quality prints that endure, ensuring each image preserves fleeting beauty and memory.

Each Founders Series print, produced at Resolve Photo, a Hahnemühle Certified Studio, embodies his philosophy: “Revolt against the mundane, and make art.” Through his work, Nel bridges personal experience and universal emotion, inviting viewers to connect with the world’s subtle wonders.

Each Founders Series print is paired with a Note from the Moment on Hahnemühle Photo Rag, an intimate reflection from Gustav written exclusively for collectors to bring you behind the lens.

These notes offer insight into the inspiration, story, and fleeting moments captured in the photograph, making each edition not only a work of art, but a personal connection between artist and collector.

Complimentary Global Shipping - Delivered in 10-15 Business Days. Made to order. Archival finish. Packaged by hand. Each piece is meticulously crafted to order, ensuring museum-quality results worth the wait.

Shipping is free. Every order includes complimentary global shipping, including the USA and Canada. Prints are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive in perfect condition, whether you’re in California or Cape Town.

Each Casa print is carefully produced and prepared to order. Unframed prints typically ship within 7–10 business days.

You’ll receive tracking information as soon as your order ships. If you have specific timing needs, feel free to reach out to hello@casadegustav.com and we’ll do our best to assist.

Returns

Due to the limited and signed nature of each artwork, all sales are final. That said, if your print arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us immediately at hello@casadegustav.com and we’ll make it right.

Crowned Palms

Long before the Big Island had a name, the sea gods sent a young wind across the ocean. She was restless and eager, always rushing from reef to reef. One day she reached a barren shore where nothing swayed.

The sea gods told her, “If you wish this land to sing, you must choose a guardian to stand in your name.”

So the wind searched the island, but every tree she met bent too easily or clung too tightly to the earth. Finally, she found a tall, graceful palm rising from black lava rock. Its fronds caught the light like green fire, and it never flinched when the wind passed through.

She crowned it with the morning sun and planted its kin across the horizon, so they could watch the sea and greet the wind each day. In return, she promised to keep their crowns full of light for as long as the island stood.

To this day, on the Big Island, the palms that wear the brightest crowns are said to be descended from that first guardian. They stand watch over the shore and carry the blessing of the wind.

Signed and numbered, printed on museum-grade paper, Crowned Palms brings the strength of the guardian into any space it calls home.

Never Deny The Call Of The Palm Tree.