A mechanism in engineering is anything that can transmit or transform energy. The sculpture can be viewed as mechanism, abstractly based on a sliding shaft coupler used to engage or disengage the transfer of energy.

The sculpture also honors the Maddox brothers, Jack and Donovan, and the JF Maddox Foundation. The center piece represents the Foundation, formed by the brothers. The two outer pieces represent each brother. They were the mechanism that transformed their goodwill into a foundation to benefit their community, a transformation of energy that will live on for generations.