"Many, many of my paintings have come from the first chapter of Moby Dick"

This quote by Robert Indiana suggests that he has actually been motivated by the unique Moby Dick by Herman Melville. Indiana's work usually focuses on styles of identity, death, and the human experience, which are all explored in the story. By referencing the initial phase of Moby Dick, Indiana is most likely describing the motifs of expedition, journey, and the unknown that exist in the story. Indiana's paintings may be a visual representation of the themes of expedition as well as experience, in addition to a discourse on the human experience. Indiana's quote also suggests that he has been motivated by the book's personalities and their struggles, which can be seen in his paints. By referencing the initial chapter of Moby Dick, Indiana is likely revealing his admiration for the novel and its styles, as well as exactly how they have affected his job.