At What Point Do We Develop Style?
There is a process to learning any technical skill, be that surfing, skating, or skiing that everyone has to go through.
But at what point do we develop style? Where is the line between finesse and function? When does the consciousness shift from how to do something to how can I do this like me?
The War On Style featuring Hank Bilous filmed by Chris Maunsell presented by The North Face is a film that explores just this. After competing on the Freeride World Tour, Hank became a nurse and recently added another qualification to his quiver: skier, surfer, writer, nurse – now director and producer. Inspired by Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, written by Robert M. Pirsig, The War on Style explores how we come to define self-expression and the relationship between style and technical skills.
‘ I think there is always space for creative expression because every decision we make is a creative choice. This reality becomes less obvious to us as we grow up. We are taught to think within certain frameworks because shared ways of thinking help our society spin. These frameworks slowly indoctrinate us into the confines of conformity and the creative choice appears to become out of reach. We reserve those creative choices for so called artists and we forget that we learned our limitations. When we are kids we haven’t learnt all that stuff yet and we are free to call a stick a snake or money, just an idea. Creative expression continues to have space in my life because I constantly remind myself that a stick can be a snake if I want and money really is just a silly little idea.’ - Hank
The War On Style was filmed on location in Gisborne, Wānaka and Dunedin, by cinematographer Chris Maunsell who is also a local Dunedin filmer. Chris has a passion for authentic storytelling in the athlete world, particularly those that go fast, and exhibit their own style, regularly undertaking a range of mixed media projects. The original score for The War on Style was created by Sam Wave (Sam Mehrtens) - an indie visionary from New Zealand. Wave’s fascination of genres and mediums makes for an exciting journey when discovering his works. Currently based in Sydney, Sam continues to create music and films that explore the obscurities and beauty of you - immersing himself in the full process; producing, mixing, playing and singing.
This is a film for anyone who has contemplated who they might be like when not defined by a job or a hobby. For those who look inwards to understand how they better exist outwards in the world. For those who believe there are no limits to fun or creativity. Just like Hank.
