are vessels too limiting?

That is an interesting point Studio. Trouble is, to really appreciate the quality of throwing, the decoration, the glazes. the muted but fascinating palette, the craft history. Most things which are generally associated with the Leach/Cardew Anglo oriental school. You really have to be pretty much a studio pottery nerd of a slightly ageing type.
Whereas the modern market has gone to the simpletons. Its much easier -and to be honest a much wider international market- to appreciate the modernist attractions of Coper, Rie and their followers and pupils. Who mostly, were not production potters.

The art historian and critic, Sir Herbert Read, described studio pottery, as abstract art in its most abstract form. I take that to mean it has to be looked at and contemplated before any meaning can be got from it. I think that applies to all ceramics and not just thrown ones but it does mean that you cannot just take a quick glance to appreciate it or not appreciate it always.

Abstract vessels. Now there is a brilliant idea!
A lump of clay.a puddle if water, and use of an oven.
The Deconstructed,Perfect Pot!