Sonic Ink is a digital painting application made with Max/MSP from 2019-2022. Instead of pressure controlling the size of the brush, as is typical, brush size is controlled by the amplitude (loudness) of live or prerecorded audio.
Sonic Ink prompts participants to utilize their voices, musical instruments, or any sound in the creation of digital paintings. Using sound as a tool promotes an approach to mark-making that is less focused on perfection and tight control. Instead, it encourages experimentation, present-mindedness, and embracing chance as a collaborator.
There are two iterations of the program: one is monochrome, a reference to traditional ink paintings; the other uses amplitude to choose a color grade between deep blue/green and red. An autonomous, though still audio-reactive, drawing function is also included.
Sonic Ink at the interactive art show "Feedback Loop" in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2022. Artist Ian Michael Izard uses the active sonic atmosphere to create an image. This iteration printed the "sonic inkings" on a thermal label printer. Participants were instantly given a physical print of their sound-based artwork.