I'm working full time now and wish I had time to pursue artwork. I am now making photographs and printing them. But to really complete my concepts I need time and resources.

If I had your year, I would find some art form and try to perfect it. Then go back to CS in the fall.

Another option: go to Asia. And scuba dive. You can live in India for awhile for little no money. I spent 4 months traveling, diving and shooting photos and absolutely loved it. I don't think I learned a whole lot. But it was heaven.

Maybe do that and have some goal in mind. And if you do travel, you're going to take photos (how can you not?). So get good at making photographs before you go if you do (take a street photography class).