ENGINEERING graduate Jason Rollin has turned his back on science and chosen the bohemian career of an artist instead.Art is definitely a pet subject for the 24-year-old from Ipswich is exhibiting a range of his stunning wildlife sketches and paintings along with other artists in a fundraising show.

By James Fraser

ENGINEERING graduate Jason Rollin has turned his back on science and chosen the bohemian career of an artist instead.

Art is definitely a pet subject for the 24-year-old from Ipswich is exhibiting a range of his stunning wildlife sketches and paintings along with other artists in a fundraising show.

The exhibition is being held in aid of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust at the town's Corn Exchange tonight from 10.30am to 9.15pm. More than 120 artists are taking part.

"The majority are amateurs – most people are hobbyists," said Anna Cordon, a SWT volunteer who is helping organising the exhibition.

"The nice thing is the artists will be on hand helping out, which is great.

"There will also be a magnificent watercolour, worth several hundred pounds, will also be raffled," she said, adding the aim is raise more than £1,000.

Former Northgate pupil Mr Rollin, who always had a talent for drawing, completed a three-year engineering degree in 2000 at Warwick University but when he went off to see the world, he returned with entirely different ideas.

"I went into engineering because it was the sensible option. I went travelling after university – to Canada, Mexico and the USA – and I started drawing again and I realised that art was what I wanted to do.

Surprisingly in these competitive times, Mr Rollin has strong parental backing.

"My mum's been very supportive," he said. "But until I became successful it's all a bit of a dream."