"Time Is Money"

Founders Collection:  Commissioned Artwork for Research Triangle Foundation Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

LUTHER HODGES

This image focuses on land ledgers and historic RTP land sales, highlighting the significance of numbers, currency, and evolving value. The cascading adding machine tapes emulate a waterfall symbolizing perpetual change and the passage of time. Playing cards pose probing questions about the inherent gift of the land that shaped Research Triangle Park and created pivotal events in North Carolina history and economic development.

Green hues represent land, forest, prosperity, and fortune. Icons of wealth such as playing cards, ledger entries, numerical figures, adding machine tapes, coins, an antique banker’s drawer, and peacock feathers (also symbolic of luck and immortality) further enrich the story line.

Contemporary elements subtly enter the scene, situated in the lower right corner: an antique travel clock, and a matchbox cover inscribed with “come on baby light my fire – The Doors 1966 West Hollywood” serve as historical context of the times.

Overall, this image presents a timescape of economic growth and opportunity where North Carolina and Research Triangle Park are vibrant hubs of ingenuity, also paying tribute to Mr. Hodges’ career as North Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor, Governor, and US Secretary of Commerce.

Project Overview

I want the viewer to see a traditional still life scene at first glance. Then, upon closer inspection they’ll see fine details and hidden objects that make up the true complexity of the photograph. The title of each piece hints at the deeper meaning within the scene, while the accompanying story brings into view the true symbolism of each image.
I hope the striking colors and composition will force you to stop and stare. More importantly, I hope that it draws you back many times as each viewing reveals something new.

The bronze bust of Luther Hodges, and the oil paintings of Archie Davis and Robert Hanes are pillars of this collection of photographs. Individually these men accomplished great things, but together they wrote the history of the Triangle Region and State of North Carolina. This collection of still life artwork celebrates North Carolina, Research Triangle Park, and its founders’ legacies and common love for the state of NC.