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 for December 12, 1959, includes a sketch of an 11 1/8 x 8-inch gesso on wood painting, Homage to José. The work was created as a tribute to the poet José García Villa, and was later renamed Comma.