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 March 15, 1961, Indiana writes that it was a "curious day," with a "strange conglomeration of events." These events included a visit from Bernard Schonbrun, his landlord, regarding his overdue rent. He notes that Schonburn wanted to see his work, and stayed for over an hour. Indiana also records that Lenore Tawney's loft was inspected by seven firemen and a housing inspector, who had a list of "suspected loft-livers." 

Indiana then describes working on two paintings, converting Ballyhoo to its "final stage—sienna arrows on black ground," and repainting the black of The Sweet Mystery.