The Nature of Happiness
By William Sim and Lush Tan
"Happiness often begins in the familiar. However fantastical our art may appear, its details carry a sense of recognition that binds us through shared human experience."
A physical bookstore offers a very different experience from a digital one. In person, you engage directly with the books and the space, browsing and discovering what draws your eye. The weight of a book, the texture of its cover, and the way it sits on a shelf all shape the experience of reading long before the first page is turned.
This way of experiencing books resonates with how we work in our studio. At Merchant of Happiness, we focus on handwork and careful attention, shaping each drawing and sculpture with patience and direct engagement with materials. For us, the process carries as much meaning as the finished piece. Every work is not only an object, but also a record of time, care, and the physical act of making.
In the same spirit, a bookstore encourages readers to slow down and immerse themselves in the presence of books. Our collaboration with Tsutaya feels natural, as both practices honour the value of time, presence, and discovery within a tangible space. It is also our way of bringing original art into an otherwise commercial environment, encouraging people to encounter and engage with art without the threshold of stepping into a gallery.
Alongside the original watercolour artworks and sculptures, we are also presenting a selection of postcards and limited edition prints. These smaller pieces offer visitors the chance to bring a touch of happiness home, extending the spirit of the studio’s creations into everyday life.