Yao Tianmu (1930-2015) was born in Futian, Fujian Province. He graduated from the Drawing Department of the North East Lu Xun Art Academy in 1955 and was sent that same year to work in Shanxi Province. His work included teaching fine arts at middle schools and editing art journals.

Some of Yao's works, which include woodblocks, New Year prints and Chinese paintings, have been included in national collections.