Rene Dandurand is a highly original Quebecois carver. Born in 1934, he started carving ten years ago, after early retirement from his employment as a machinist. His first piece was a simple small boot, but this was quickly followed by roosters, birds, and figures. Before long his subjects evolved into more elaborate and complex compositions incorporating figures, foliage and animals to tell a complete story.

Rene Dandurand's carvings are worked in one piece from a solid butternut block. Some are left bare, showing the grain, but most are painted by his wife Julienne after lengthy consideration of suitable colours. Although Dandurand's children supplied him with a full set of carving chisels, he prefers the familiarity of his two or three ordinary old knives.

Dandurand's carvings are represented in major collections of Canadian folk art. Rene and Julienne Dandurand live in Quebec. They have four adult children and two grandchildren.