Digital Mustard Garden: Revitalizing Freehand-ink-painting Teaching through Artistic Participation

Traditional art forms often fail to engage modern audiences seeking interactive experiences. "Digital Mustard Garden" bridges this gap by integrating traditional techniques from The Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting with digital technology. We trained and fine-tuned a model using the Mustard Seed Garden painting manual, which is then embedded in the installation’s design to facilitate interaction. Through audience participation, the model generates digital prints, transforming viewers into active participants. By merging classic and contemporary techniques, our installation offers new mediums for exploration and novel ways for audiences to engage with art, promoting a deeper appreciation and understanding of traditional art forms. This interactive approach enables beginners to learn basic ink painting techniques through personalized content, guided by digital technology, making the learning process more accessible and enjoyable.