Korean Hornbeam. Ideas Appreciated

I need a new set of eyes on an ugly duckling. I have had this Korean Hornbeam for 10 years. Unfortunately, I don't have any pics before someone took pruners to it and decided it needed amputation. The first pic was taken after I removed a rather large back-branch in order to encourage growth of a new apex-you can see the bud forming from this past spring.

https://i.servimg.com/u/f49/16/39/29/21/dscn1211.jpg

https://i.servimg.com/u/f49/16/39/29/21/dscn1212.jpg


Pic 2 and 3 was taken today after a lot of heavy feeding and happily a new apex is forming about where the original was located. Also, you can see a nice series of side branches forming as well. So, the idea is to leave them alone and thicken.

https://i.servimg.com/u/f49/16/39/29/21/dscn1310.jpg

https://i.servimg.com/u/f49/16/39/29/21/dscn1311.jpg

What about the base? It has a bit of a back-bend to it (pic 4), so I really don't see an option of changing face. I keep toying with the idea of shortening the foot on the right by about a third to a half and, next year, taking a look at the roots to determine to what degree I can visually accentuate them (sorry no virts). So, what do you guys think? I can technically it alter it without killing it, but I'm getting a brain cramp stylistically.

https://i.servimg.com/u/f49/16/39/29/21/dscn1213.jpg

I wouldnt worry too much about correcting any flaws in the trunk. Aside from that the angles you shot the pics at are tough to discern any real good candidates for a front. It looks like its throwing off new shoots about everywhere, which is good. Find a little taper and a good angle for the front, then just let her have some free reign. Don't get in a hurry. Let it grow and gain some good strength and decide later after you've soaked on it. The one thing I have learned is that waiting a season is never a bad thing.

Good little short and fat tree.

Thank you Neil for your reply. I agree that the best option thus far is to leave it alone and let it grow out and regain taper at the apex. One of the points that I should have clarified was that it use to be a lot larger in height (close to 20 inches). I've been mulling over the idea of possibly keeping it much shorter than that, yet I not sure if that would work stylistically as a shohin. So, that's where I'm at now, trying to plan ahead a bit and try and determine whether or not the size and shape of the trunk will realistically lend itself to a much shorter version.

I think Hornbeams are beautiful. I might be tempted to plant it for at least a year so the foliage can pick up some size while gaining vigor. I'd imagine the tree will tell you how it should be styled when it gets there.

Thank you for your reply lordy. I've really been happy with the rate of growth thus far. I agree 100% with your opinion on the beauty of the hornbeam as a species...wish I had more of them.