Alabama native Lillis Taylor received her BFA in Industrial Design from the University of Washington, Seattle in 2003 and began working for book and toy development company, becker&mayer! books. As a product developer, Taylor was introduced to overseas manufacturing, which sparked an interest in US/China relations. Prior to making a decision about graduate school, Taylor moved to Wuhan, China to teach English, study Mandarin, and absorb Chinese culture. After one year of teaching, Taylor returned to Seattle and began pursuing a master's in China Studies from the UW's Jackson School of International Studies, receiving her degree in 2009.

 

Taylor's time in graduate school introduced her to teaching, grant-writing, and community development. While pursuing her degree, she maintained her artistic pursuits through a collaboration with her father, artist Trés Taylor. First conceived as illustrated robes for Trés' iconic monks, this collaboration would become the inspiration for Tré Lilli, a line of textiles Taylor designs using her father's imagery.

​

Hoping to research Chinese communities embedded in Italy, Taylor detoured to Tuscany, supporting her now-husband's performative work as a graphic designer and photo-documentarian. 

​

Taylor returned home to Birmingham, AL in 2010 and embarked on a decade of community development with a focus on how the arts can invigorate education and economic growth. To learn more about the nonprofit she co-founded with "Ms. Annie" Bryant, visit Bib & Tucker Sew-Op.