Sharing a space with Phantom Records, Dumpster Values holds a plethora of hand-me-downs ranging from the most eclectic (I tried on a purple glittered vest), to the simplest (kid’s clothes), which I did not try on. One-dollar bins are filled with goodies and all proceeds go to buying books for prisoners. Within the same building as Olympia’s biggest and best community-based second-hand store, lies a bike shop that hosts after-hours live music and a cooperative art space, which all ties this artistic downtown community together. I showed up right as Kaynako Wynkoop was about to open her doors, so she let me in to browse as she stood outside and finished her coffee and cigarette. That’s when I noticed the large, half-completed paper-mache buffalo hanging from the ceiling.

 

STEPH DEROSA: What’s up with the large paper-mache buffalo hanging from your ceiling?


KAYNAKO WYNKOOP: Look, there was a time, for three weeks, where I had quit smoking. I had a lot of extra, unused energy, OK?



DEROSA: Couldn’t you just chew on carrots, like everyone else?


WYNKOOP: I was originally going to submit something on the plight of the buffalo into Portland Institute of Contemporary Art’s annual Time-Based Arts Festival, but then Hurricane Katrina hit, so I changed it to an audio piece on the Katrina victims at the last minute.



DEROSA: And so the buffalo is left undone and half-finished? His chicken wire is exposed, and it is hanging from your ceiling.



WYNKOOP: Where else was I supposed to put it? Hey, are you going to buy anything?



DEROSA: Maybe. I’m looking for my size. I like how you have the sizes numbered, instead of categorizing it into small, medium and large. It makes more sense.


WYNKOOP: I don’t believe in labeling people as “small” or “large.” It just isn’t right. Your size should be measured in numbers, and not be a descriptive.



DEROSA: I like your style! Since you seem so open-minded, would you like to pick out my next outfit from Dumpster Values?



WYNKOOP: I have the perfect thing for you. Here’s a vest that was hand-made by an elderly lady. It’s quilted from her husband’s old suit ties, and the buttons are made from the antlers of a deer he shot.



DEROSA: You hate me, don’t you?



WYNKOOP: I’d rather be finishing my buffalo.

[Dumpster Values, 302 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.705.3772]