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 October 6, 1962, Indiana records receiving a call from Lenore Tawney, who wanted him to accompany her to see Agnes Martin (who was being treated at the New York Psychiatric Institute), but that he declined primarily as he was so pressed for time for his upcoming show (his first New York solo exhibition, opening at the Stable Gallery later that month). He writes "I did not extricate myself v[ery] graciously, but really no more adroitly than [the] situation requires."

He also notes receiving a call from James Rosenquist, as well as Museum of Modern Art curator Campbell Wylly, who told him he would be hanging The Great Reap the following day (in an exhibition in the museum's Penthouse, opening on October 8).

Indiana records that J. (his partner, fashion designer John Kloss), had been out and did his chores for him, brining back seven boxes of vine black (paint), turpentine, and red (paint), as well as an Osterizer and a toaster that "is really automatic." He writes that he painted all day, repaininting Die and the black of The Red Diamond Die, also cutting the stencils for the latter. He also inscribed Eat and several unnamed small canvases.