Robert Indiana kept a series of illustrated journals during the late 1950s and 1960s, in which he discusses the development of his work as well as his daily life on Coenties Slip.

In his journal entry for August 21, 1962, Indiana records that he "put 'Marine Works' on [the] table again [to] shadow [the] two central letters," explaining that "this should just about finish off [this] construction, under work now for 2 yrs." He notes that he wanted to finish up the work before Rolf [gallerist Rolf Nelson] arrived, and that he managed to do so.

However, to Indiana's disappointment, Nelson said nothing, which he took to "indicate all ranks of disapproval." He adds: "Neither did he like what [had] happened [to] [his] old "Virgin" construction, nor really [to] any of them. [To] [the] [paintings] he directed some interest & approbation, but then even [to] these he gave only passing curiosity & minimal appreciation. Me thinks all [has] worked out for [the] best. Rolf’s sponsorship [would] be painful. He protests [that] he is look’g for exciting work, but seems [to] [have] found none. No names came up fr[om] California @ all. My "Rebecca" hangs in [his] fancy apt. along w/ a [Roy] de Forest in a more prominent position."

Indiana also records that it was a stormy day, receiving a letter from Steve Durkee, and going out to dinner with Roger and J. (his partner, fashion designer John Kloss).