Buta San Pink

Junko Mizuno is a self-taught artist who is recognized for her unique style of powerful and erotic female imagery. Growing up in Tokyo, Junko's work is based on '70s Japanese cute culture. Her art refuses to be categorized as she can get inspired by anything around her. Her sources of inspiration include fetish art, folk art, religious art, pin-up art, advertising art, vintage toys, greeting cards, comics, food, movies etc. In 1996, she self-produced a photocopy booklet called "MINA animal DX" which brought her to the attention of the publishing industry in Japan. Soon after, she debuted as a professional comic artist and illustrator. Currently residing in San Francisco, she is constantly working on new comics, paintings, illustrations and designs for products ranging from toys to clothing. A plush art toy is a collectible, artist-designed soft sculpture that blends elements of fine art, character design, and traditional plush toy craftsmanship. Unlike mass-produced plush toys, these are often handmade or produced in limited editions, featuring unique designs, high-quality materials, and intricate detailing. Artists and independent designers create plush art toys to express their distinct styles, often incorporating surreal, cute, creepy, or abstract aesthetics. They can be purely decorative or interactive, with elements like movable limbs, embroidered details, or mixed-media embellishments. Many plush art toys are sold through galleries, designer toy conventions, or directly by artists, making them sought-after collectibles in the designer toy community.