The images bear names like "Key to Hell," "Skull in Veil" and "Death's Dream."

Suffice it to say, this month's art exhibit at the Port Moody Public Library has somewhat forsaken the standard yuletide scenes to take on an entirely different feel.

The library's December exhibit comes courtesy of Coquitlam's Jesse Wamboldt, whose works are more akin to a Tim Burton film or images evoked by an H.P. Lovecraft story than anything holiday-related.

"You'd think my work would be on display in October, but I'm kind of excited that it is in December because it will likely be cold and crisp outside - hopefully people can come inside and see my work," Wamboldt said.

A self-taught artist, Wamboldt takes her inspiration from authors who lean towards darker subject matter - Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft and Neil Gaiman - and the imagery that comes through those written words.

"I find something more romantic about that kind of art - it's a side of life that's not focused on as much," Wamboldt said. "The things that I read and the artists that I like tend to have a bit more of a darker fantasy aspect to their work and I definitely play off of it."

But despite that penchant for things that creep and crawl, pigeon-holing Wamboldt's works into a more macabre month - October, for example - wouldn't do her art justice, according to the library staffer who ultimately gave the display the OK.

"Maybe December is an interesting month to have something new and unusual like this," said Irene Jakse, the library's program and services coordinator.

"But on the other hand, I wouldn't want to do her work a disservice by labelling it just as being Halloween-like. When I looked at [her portfolio], the wow factor came from the fact that we've never had a display like this ever. And the talent in those drawings is very evident."

Wamboldt's preferred method is pen and ink, though she's also incorporated acrylic, oil, charcoal and watercolour into the 25 pieces she has on display. But once a given piece is done, it's up to the viewer to interpret what he or she wants to take away from it.

"I don't think I necessarily have a message. I just hope that people enjoy my art," she said.

"It's not necessarily all dark and depressing, because I do use some bright colours.

"But I want people to be able to laugh at darkness and see the lighter side of my work."

Adding to the intrigue of Wamboldt's display is the fact the 27 year old has never publicly shown her works in a gallery or exhibit-type format.

Instead, the Centennial Secondary grad has immersed herself in her work and the literature and music that inspires her.

"I can understand if [first-time artists] are a little nervous, but I think they cut their teeth on us, and then off they go with their careers," Jakse said.

"'Springboard' is a perfect way to describe us. You can go ahead and start here with us, but we always do expect great things, especially of the young ones like Jesse."

Wamboldt's display runs for the duration of December.

To see more of her work, log on to http: //weakwrist.deviantart.com.

jkurucz@thenownews.com