The paper explores how the relational turn theory can be used to develop social-ecological methodologies that offer students a more interconnected and complex understanding of sustainable development (SD). The study employs a capitals approach framework, which recognizes natural, social, human, and produced capital resources as distinct sources of capital, to explore a wide range of capital combinations. To explore sustainability opportunities and issues, the study uses an express arts approach through visual and literacy arts methods. The purpose of using these methods was to decentre the students from normative language and evoke future practice change by stimulating the possibility of change through the unspoken language of the image. An integrative thinking approach was used to account for sustainability issues and expressed from multiple perspectives. A dialogue and understanding were developed that accommodated local and tri-nation perspectives. The findings of the tri-nation study led to the development of a new social-ecological model for exploring SD transnationally. The study recommends that future research should explore this new model and use of express arts methods to develop a more comprehensive understanding of SD. The paper highlights the importance of developing a more interconnected view of SD to address the complex and interrelated challenges facing the world today.