Tamar Ashdot

they/she

Primary Genres: poetry, essay, interdisciplinary art

What would you like people to know about you?

I enjoy studying and teaching poetry in collaborative intergenerational spaces as well as academic settings with high school and undergraduate students. In addition to my full-length hybrid poetry manuscripts about the personal archive, Jewish tradition/identity, and disability, I am researching and writing a collection of personal essays centered around Ypsilanti’s environments and landscapes parallel to the folk music of Detroit-born Sufjan Stevens and his 2003 album “Michigan,” which features a track titled for this city.

Before I began writing, I was first trained in classical vocal music, and in Spring 2026, my debut libretto "ever unleaving" premiered with the University Symphony Orchestra.

What do you believe is important about writing?

Outside of verbal communication, writing is our most crucial mode of human connection. Writing is a vessel of histories, lineages, traditions, value systems, migration paths. I am passionate about writing’s healing qualities and what personal, reflective writing can provide each of our minds and souls. There is tremendous empowerment in writing, especially in documenting our own stories, and I believe all should have the opportunity to experience that feeling.

You can read more about Tamar and their writing at their website tamarashdot.com.