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 daily life on Coenties Slip.

In his journal page for January 14, 1961, Indiana records "touching up heads" at his friend Daniel's apartment. This is a reference to the paintings Upharsin and Tekel ("Brothers: Odd Fellows), which he had lent him. 

Indiana then notes going to a Paul Taylor dance performance, and that Stephen and Barbara Durkee, who had visited him earlier in the day, were there in second row seats. Also attending were Arthur Carr, Phil, Rolf Nelson, Ellsworth Kelly, Robert Rauschenberg, Paul Sanasardo, and Bob Bücker. Of the performance he writes, "early works still fun, but new group stuff a bore. EK's [Ellsworth Kelly's] costumes passable." He records that afterwards he went to Bobby Lewis' for drinks, as did the Durkees and Lenore Tawney.