behind the scenes

Lion’s Gate Portal

Part of the Imaginarium Experience

Discover the Lion’s Gate Story ↓

A surreal, digitally enhanced image of a lion's face with glowing, luminous features in shades of yellow, orange, blue, and purple, blending into a cosmic background with vibrant light effects. 
❋ THE STORY
Black and white illustration of a lion's face with a calm and intense expression, a star-shaped symbol on its forehead, and symmetrical patterns around its face.
A mystical, golden lion's face with glowing eyes and elaborate, ornate patterns, set against a fiery, cosmic background with ancient structures at the bottom. 
The first Lion’s Gate painting created in 2023

A simple question sparked a yearly intuitive practice

My annual Lion’s Gate Portal intuitive art practice started with a simple question from a friend who asked ‘Are you painting anything for Lion’s Gate?’ This was back in 2023, and even as I responded that I wasn’t familiar with the idea of the astrological ‘Lion’s Gate Portal’ an image dropped fully-formed into my mind’s eye. So I laughed and said ‘I guess I am!’

I can’t say I follow particular portals or energetic gateways that may appear in astrological circles or otherwise, I follow the guidance of my inner vision, my third-eye, but I enjoyed painting what came through in that moment and each year since I’ve painted a new lion around the time of the Lion’s Gate and they have always been very well received.

Lion’s Gate

2024

The 2024 edition of my Lion’s Gate paintings was woven from a vivid dream I had had years ago in which I was led to a magnificent golden palace that shimmered with light. It was guarded by two glimmering lions who stood on either side of the entrance like sentinels.

Digital artwork of a lion and a lioness with a celestial and architectural background, featuring stars, mountains, and a bright glowing structure.

Lion’s Gate

2025

2025’s Lion’s Gate Portal artwork came through in meditation, when a beautiful golden lion came through in my mind’s eye, his gaze was held high as he focused on a shimmering star of light, hope and possibility above his head.

A mystical, colorful digital artwork featuring a lion's face with vibrant green eyes, surrounded by rainbow and starry patterns. At the top, there is a glowing, geometric flower and symmetrical star shapes, evoking a spiritual and cosmic theme.

Lion’s Gate

2026

Lion’s Gate 2026 was approaching on the weekend of June 25th and I was considering the possibility of what I was going to create. I felt this sudden urgency, realising that if I was going to paint something, it needed to happen this weekend and it needed to have the eclipse (that is coming on August 12th) woven into it.

Much like my very first encounter with this practice, the image I received came in one flash: a magnificent black lion stepped towards me through a dry and desolate landscape.

‘Things may seem hopeless,’ he seemed to say, ‘but keep your head up, keep your gaze on the future and hope in your hearts, and walk through the valley of shadow in belief, in love and in light.’

A mystical, glowing digital artwork featuring a black lion with piercing eyes, surrounded by celestial and cosmic elements including stars, a moon, and swirling lights, with a luminous orb at the lion's chest and a reflective water surface below. 
❋ HIS SOUNDSCAPE

Katy explored the energy of the Lion’s Gate 2023 artwork for our Imaginarium Experience collaboration, and it remains such a powerful track on the album - opening with a ferocious Lion’s roar.

The soundscape feels vast and yet also as close as a kitten’s purr; it’s the magic that Katy weaves with her unique soundscapes, responding to what is woven into the artwork with fearless emotion and deep intuitive wisdom.

A white pair of over-ear headphones placed next to a smartphone displaying a colorful, abstract angelic figure with a purple speaker icon indicating audio playback.

Experience The Lion’s Gate within The Imaginarium Experience Digital Capsule >

Book cover titled 'Many Hands Make Lightwork' by Katy Samwell, featuring a woman sitting cross-legged, working with white paper and colorful cylindrical containers, surrounded by illustrations of many hands reaching out.

Soon to be completely re-imagined, within Katy’s latest album. Pre-order the album now >

"‘Lion’s Gate’ is definitely one of my favorite pieces from Jen. The artwork carries such power, yet with a beautiful gentleness and depth that I really wanted to bring through in the music. I grounded the track in the resonant frequency of my Carnelian and Platinum Crystal Alchemy Bowl, a true powerhouse, and then layered the subtle sound of a cat's purr over it to weave in that touch of tender gentleness.”

katy

A woman with long wavy brown hair smiling, standing outdoors in front of rocky terrain.

Shop the Lion’s Gate Portal Collection

Lion's Gate Portal 2024 - Intuitive Art Print Lion's Gate Portal 2024 - Intuitive Art Print Lion's Gate Portal 2024 - Intuitive Art Print Lion's Gate Portal 2024 - Intuitive Art Print
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Lion's Gate Portal 2024 - Intuitive Art Print
from £30.00

Lionsgate 2024 is the next portal in my ongoing series—an annual tradition I knew would unfold the moment I created my first Lionsgate piece. The blue lions in this painting have lingered in my mind’s eye, patiently waiting to step forward. As I brought them to life, I realised the radiant golden temple at the heart of the artwork was inspired by a vivid dream years ago, where lions guided me to a luminous cathedral. This piece weaves together memory, vision, and the powerful energy of the Lionsgate portal—inviting you to step into your own shining expansion and heart-led courage.

  • Printed on a 240gsm fine art paper which has a beautiful smooth texture.

  • Includes 0.5” border for framing.

  • Available in A4 (21cm x 29.7cm) or A3 (29.7cm x 42cm) size or MAX (44cm x 62cm)

If you would like a custom size, please contact me - as I can print a variety of sizes.

Lion's Gate - Art Print Lion's Gate - Art Print Lion's Gate - Art Print Lion's Gate - Art Print
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Lion's Gate - Art Print
from £30.00

Giclée archival quality print of my illustration ‘Lion’s Gate’.

Printed on a 240gsm fine art paper which has a beautiful smooth texture. Includes 0.5” border for framing.

Printed professionally with archival inks, the print will be shipped in a protective cello bag and cardboard mailing envelope or tube.

Final print does not include @jezhawk watermark.

If you would like a custom size, please contact me - as I can print a variety of sizes.

Lion's Gate Portal 2025 - Intuitive Art Print Lion's Gate Portal 2025 - Intuitive Art Print Lion's Gate Portal 2025 - Intuitive Art Print Lion's Gate Portal 2025 - Intuitive Art Print
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Lion's Gate Portal 2025 - Intuitive Art Print
from £30.00

Step into the energy of the Lionsgate portal with this radiant new artwork, created to honour the annual cosmic event on August 8th. “Lionsgate” channels the strength, courage, and higher vision of the lion as a spiritual guide, inviting you to connect with both the challenges and the light of these transformative times.

This piece was inspired by a powerful intuitive process. The deep, shadowed star at the base of the artwork reflects the intensity and uncertainty of our current collective journey. In contrast, the luminous star above the lion’s head—where his gaze is fixed—represents a vision for the future: one filled with peace, love, and hope. The lion’s upward focus serves as a reminder to keep our hearts and minds aligned with the highest possibilities, even as we move through periods of darkness.

  • Printed on a 240gsm fine art paper which has a beautiful smooth texture.

  • Includes 0.5” border for framing.

  • Available in A4 (21cm x 29.7cm) or A3 (29.7cm x 42cm) size or MAX (44cm x 62cm)

If you would like a custom size, please contact me - as I can print a variety of sizes.

Lion's Gate 2026 - Art Print Lion's Gate 2026 - Art Print Lion's Gate 2026 - Art Print Lion's Gate 2026 - Art Print
Quick View
Lion's Gate 2026 - Art Print
from £30.00

Giclée archival quality print of my intuitive illustration created especially for the 2026 Lion’s Gate Portal.

Read the Lion’s Gate Creation Story Here >

Printed on a 240gsm fine art paper which has a beautiful smooth texture. Includes 0.5” border for framing.

Available in A4 (21cm x 29.7cm) or A3 (29.7cm x 42cm) size or MAX (44cm x 62cm)

If you would like a custom size, please contact me - as I can print a variety of sizes.

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Book titled "Imagination vol. 1" with a colorful cover featuring abstract art, a fish, and a radiant figure similar to a saint or angel, on a calendar page.

Also available in:

The Imaginarium Journal

Discover The Lion’s Gate 2023 artwork with message and journalling prompt within the pages of The Imaginarium - Volume 1.

Now on Sale: £25.95

Purchase Volume 1 >

A collection of items including a smartphone displaying a colorful, abstract angelic figure, a white headset, and a book titled "Imaginarium Vol. 1" by Jennifer Hawykard featuring a similar angelic artwork on the cover.

The Imaginarium Experience

Or grab the entire experience including Katy Samwell’s gorgeous sound transmissions.

Including:

  • The Journal with artist signature and dedication

  • Downloadable music album

  • Animated artworks and soundtrack overlays

Now on Sale: £79.99

Purchase the Experience >

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