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.

Indiana's journal page from January 18, 1960, includes sketches of two works. The first is a 96 x 21-inch gesso and metal on wood construction, Stele of Four Orbs (later retitled Four). Letters to the right of the sketch indicate which parts of the work are rusted iron, natural wood, and gesso. Indiana explains that the iron hoop motivated his choice to fill the panel, which he had found on the waterfront, with three gessoed circles. 

The second sketch is of an untitled 31” x 7½-inch gesso and metal on wood construction. Indiana records that the wood came from the Coenties Slip pier, and that the construction was an easy one, even though the metal tape bordering the white mid-section took some time to affix.

Indiana then writes that he had planned to attend an opening at Parma Gallery, but that J. [his partner, fashion designer John Kloss] returned as he was ready to leave, saying it was miserable out. As a result they walked to the Automat for dinner, and then returned home.