Brooke Lanier’s paintings have been described by The Jersey Journal as "not your grandparents’ paintings of sailboats." Now, she's become captivated by the SS United States.

Recently, the Conservancy connected with the Philadelphia-based artist following her latest exhibit, “Berths and Ghosts,” which drew heavily from nautical themes and historic ships.

Brooke shared that "My dad was really excited to hear I was going on this adventure [to see the SS United States], since he had built a model of the Big U as a child...Though I previously attempted to get closer to the ship from every direction available on land, I discovered that the waterfront trail doesn't allow public access near the SS United States due to Homeland Security concerns."

Of particular interest to Brooke was the "fascinating patterning of net-like rusty stains on its majestic bow and how complexly textured the huge chunks of paint and rust are that protrude several inches from some metal." That net-like pattern is represented in "SS United States #3" (pictured here), Brooke later learned was formed when the SS United States had a chain affixed to her bow to tow her to Turkey for asbestos removal. Conservancy President Susan Gibbs shared with Brooke that the swaying of the chain wore away portions of paint but not the areas where there were holes between links.

Brooke Lanier also shared, "As with subjects of my other paintings, noting design features and seeing unusual patterns of paint weathering made me curious about the purpose and history of the ship. I learned as much as I could from thoroughly reading the Conservancy's website and the ship's Wikipedia page. I'm fascinated by its dichotomy of luxury and military utility, as well as the state-of-the-art innovations in design, safety, and speed.”

“When I lamented being unable to see more of the ship or get a closer look, a student of mine volunteered to take me along with her sailing club to photograph the ship from the river. It was a fantastic experience, and I was thrilled to see the full enormity of the vessel and appreciate the textures in greater detail, as well as the graceful curve of its stern," Lanier said.

Later this year, Brooke will be touring the SS United States, and the Conservancy will be collaborating with the artist for a special event at her gallery in Philadelphia. Stay tuned to future e-updates for more information as she creates new pieces and plans for an event in her gallery take shape. We are thrilled that the Big U has continues to inspired talented, contemporary artists!