I am afraid: Voice as sonic sculpture

Abstract

We present a multi-user networked VR application, I Am Afraid, which uses voice as an interface to create sonic objects in a virtual environment. Words are spoken and added to the environment as three-dimensional textual objects. Other vocalizations are rendered as abstract shapes. The sculptural elements embed the sound of the voice that initiated their creation, and can be played as instruments via user-controlled interactions such as scrubbing, shaking, or looping. Multiple users can simultaneously be in the environment, mixing their voices in an evolving, dynamic, sound sculpture. I Am Afraid has been used for fun, performance, and therapeutic purposes.