Mary Lou has a collection of old machinery that ranges from fine clock parts to heavy farm implements. Many of them were collected because they were circular. The theme of circles is included with the shapes of the gears and bolts. This painting was inspired by a request from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO to area artists for a piece of art that was inspired by the studies of this engineering school. This painting was purchased by MS&T for its permanent collection. Its vivid colors reflect the colors of iron and steel, important products of this region, and relating to the founding of St. James and of the School of Mines and Metallurgy, also founded by William James of the Maramec Iron Works.