Chinese Elm Options

[sfeagan]

I made an air layer and got this last year and just removed an air layer from this one yesterday. It might be lost cause but what options do I have for this? Which side should I remove and where to cut? I have a couple ideas on my head but I'm still fairly new to coming up with designs and I guess I just have a hard time seeing any options.

 

[TN_Jim]

Keep the curve, girdle the straight and keep it as deadwood, let it run mad

 

[sfeagan]

Keep the curve, girdle the straight and keep it as deadwood, let it run mad

Can you please explain what you mean by girdle? Sorry, still learning

 

[TN_Jim]

remove all bark and cambium rather that remove or saw….as if, air layer without any goal of removal, let the straight section die and address later. both trunks look about the same size, go with the one with character; though, why loose the other even if a deciduous tree? perhaps let it rot and shape over time, you definitely have time on your side regarding development and preservation of the dead

 

[Shibui]

I like to see the surface roots before making any style decisions. No point designing a good tree up top if there's another 6" of straight trunk below soil level. I guess the trunk is planted at that angle because that's the angle where roots are horizontal?
Always hard to design from just a couple of photos but:
The large right trunk (first pic) appears quite awkward. I think using the vertical shoot brings the trunk almost straight and vertical again.
I'd be hoping for a shoot on the rear stump as that appears to give the best looking bends overall.