Austin Cole is a filmmaker and visual artist from Colorado, born with a congenital heart defect that’s shaped not only their life but also their creative perspective. Growing up with health challenges, including a plethora of operations, open-heart surgery and multiple valve replacements, Austin developed a deep awareness of life’s fragility. This awareness has led to a profound connection with the world around them, especially the natural beauty and harmony that exists in the most unexpected places.
Art has always been Austin’s greatest passion. From a young age, they were drawn to visual storytelling, making stop-motion videos with action figures and LEGO sets. Over time, their creativity expanded to include painting, sculpting, and embroidery..
Austin’s debut stop-motion short film, Solar Neighbor, was a labor of love—shot and edited entirely in their bedroom and basement over the course of several years. The film takes place in a vibrant, alien world, but its themes of mortality, community, connection, caretaking, and purpose are deeply personal. It’s a reflection of Austin’s own journey, grappling with life’s fragility and the importance of the connections we build.
For Austin, making art is not just about creating something beautiful—it’s about exploring what it means to be alive and to connect with others. Given the brief nature of life, Austin feels driven to only pursue what truly matters to them: creating meaningful, heartfelt work.