This website uses cookies as well as similar tools and technologies to understand visitors' experiences. By continuing to use this website, you consent to Columbia University's usage of cookies and similar technologies, in accordance with the Columbia University Website Cookie Notice
My drawing machine displays different frequencies of sound. The machine has three layers that translate sound individually: the first is a speaker that emits sound, the second is a metal rod connected to the speaker to amplify the vibration coming from the speaker, and the third is a rotating acrylic plate that has iron powder spread on top. As for the process of the sound to a visual pattern of iron powder, at first, different vibrations according to individual frequencies of sound are amplified by the metal rod due to its length. The amplified vibrations are then interpreted with the help of magnets distributed along the rods to attract iron powder as they repeat the process of oscillating under the rotating plate. Thus, as the sound keeps going on, the vibration is rendered as different arcs of iron powder along the plate according to the diverse frequencies of the sound.