Welcome to MC17
After two decades honing my craft, I've learned to embrace and revel in the creative process. Though it took time, I've discovered that when you trust it, incredible, unexpected things unfold in the form of ideas and opportunities.
These breakthroughs don't manifest on their own; when they arrive, it's your job to show up and consistently put in the work. This is how you create your own luck—through dedication and continuous effort.
This realization has made me mindful of three guiding principles: process, patience, and gratitude.
Being grateful for what unfolds allows you to stay connected to this inexhaustible creative state, but sometimes we don't always see it. That's where patience comes in. Whether you call it flow or inspiration, find your formula and work it. And then stay loyal to the process.
With that, I welcome you to MC17 and invite you to enter my visual world! I hope you see something that sparks inspiration.
Sincerely,
Welcome to MC17, my collection of life works and ideas in progress that feature collaborations with top clients, artists, and musicians from around the world. From Art Basel to Rolling Stone, The Whitney Museum of American Art to Waterford Crystal, Hermes of Paris to Target, Bloomingdales to Giorgio Armani, and Bruce Springsteen, the work showcased spans over two decades.
TRUST THE PROCESS
With a career spanning over two decades, Matthew embarked on his professional journey at Popular Photography Magazine as a Digital Workshop Producer. Since then, he has evolved into a seasoned photographer.
Matthew's lens has documented a diverse array of events, from the glamour of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show to the iconic Waterford Crystal New Year's Eve Ball Drop. His portfolio extends globally, including documenting Art Basel in Switzerland and capturing the essence of Bruce Springsteen in Rome, Italy.
His dedication led him to document the entire process – from demolition to ribbon-cutting – of LaGuardia Airport's new Terminal B. Since 2007, Matthew has also been the official photographer for The Whitney Museum of American Art.
Among his esteemed clientele are Luxe Magazine, Architectural Digest, Interior Design Magazine, Vogue, New York Design Center, The New York School of Interior Design, Supima, Estee Lauder, The Metropolitan Opera, Mont Blanc, The Brooklyn Museum, and Sephora.
Matthew's commitment to trusting the creative process is evident in his work. With an open mind, patience, and gratitude for every opportunity that unfolds, he continues to capture the essence of moments with precision and artistry.
VISION BEYOND THE LENS
The genesis of MC17 originated from a home renovation project undertaken during the pandemic. This website evolved from a digital space initially intended to document the construction process as it materialized into the physical form and into a collection of Matthew Carasella's life work and passions.
As the abstract construction process became real, the concept became clear – MC17 would become the "creative house" where ideas could flow, be hashed out and exist both virtually and physically.
MC17 is derived from Matthew's initials and the numeral 17, because the home studio's address is 17th Bay. By stacking the numbers 1 and 7, a lightning bolt emerged – a symbol of creative energy that proves 1+1 can actually equal 3.
LIVE SHOWS
RECORD STORE GRAFFITI
“Record Store Graffiti : A Portrait of Bleecker Bob’s” captured the essence of a place that brought people together to share ideas, discover new ones, play music and form bands — all before the store would be gone forever.
Record stores like Bob’s weren’t about shopping. They were about searching for objects, and connecting us to feelings that, oftentimes, feel like only our own, but that are shared by others. The photography series explores this sentiment by preserving character development drawn on every 45s record case, worn into the floorboards, and covering every inch of the place with memorabilia.
APPAREL
Book Your Stay At 17th Bay
We're thrilled to invite you to book a stay at 17th Bay, our beach bungalow and seaside haven that inspired MC17.
Whether you're seeking a tranquil retreat to recharge or to BBQ at the beach, 17th Bay is your perfect destination.
We hope you'll come visit us.